Ultrasound in Inflammatory Connective Tissue Diseases

19-21 February 2026 – Zagreb (Croatia)

International Course: Ultrasound in Inflammatory Connective Tissue Diseases
Zagreb, 19–21 February 2026
Venue: Hotel Dubrovnik, Zagreb
Points: the course will be accredited in accordance with the Regulations of the Croatian Medical

Course Programme

Thursday, February 19th
14:30 – 14:40 Registration & Welcome M. Mayer & F. Porta
SESSION 1 – Vasculitis
Chair: A. Tomelleri, L. Terslev
14:40 – 15:10 Large vessel vasculitis: state of the art and unmet needs A. Tomelleri
15:10 – 15:30 Vascular ultrasound in LVV: technique and findings L. Terslev
15:30 – 15:50 Integrated imaging: nuclear medicine in LVV V. Berti
15:50 – 16:00 Discussion
16:00 – 16:30 Coffee Break
WORKSHOP 1 – Vascular Ultrasound
16:30 – 18:10 Hands-on scanning
Dinner

Friday, February 20th
09:00 – 09:20 Vascular ultrasound in LVV: interpretation and clinical application A. Hočevar
SESSION 2 – Sjögren’s Syndrome
Chair: V. Manfrè, A. Hočevar
09:20 – 09:40 Salivary and lacrimal gland involvement in SS:
state of the art and unmet needs V. Manfrè
09:40 – 10:00 Salivary gland ultrasound: technique and findings L. Terslev
10:00 – 10:20 Salivary gland ultrasound: interpretation and clinical application A. Hočevar
10:20 – 10:30 Discussion
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee Break
WORKSHOP 2 – Salivary Glands
10:45 – 12:10 Hands-on scanning: Parotid and submandibular glands, parenchymal inhomogeneity grading
SESSION 3 – Lung Involvement in CTDs and RA
Chair: M. Mayer, F. porta
12:10 – 12:40 Lung involvement in CTDs: state of the art and unmet needs M. Mayer
12:40 – 13:10 Lung ultrasound: technique, findings, and clinical application F. Porta
13:30 – 13:40 Discussion
13:40 – 14:30 Lunch
WORKSHOP 3 – Lung Ultrasound
14:30 – 15:50 Hands-on scanning: B-lines, pleural irregularities, comprehensive lung protocols
SESSION 4 – Skin
Chair: F. Del Galgo, T. Santiago
15:50 – 16:20 Skin involvement and ulcers in SSc: state of the art and unmet needs F. Del Galdo
16:20 – 17:00 Skin ultrasound in SSc and localised scleroderma: technique, findings and clinical application T. Santiago
17:00 – 17:10 Discussion
17:10 – 17:30 Coffee Break
WORKSHOP 4 – Ultrasound
17:30 – 19:10 Hands-on scanning: systemic sclerosis

Saturday, February 21st
SESSION 5 – Musculoskeletal Involvement
Chair: F. Vreju, Lj. Smiljanić Tomičević
09:00 – 09:30 Musculoskeletal involvement in CTDs: state of the art and unmet needs M. Mayer
09:30 – 10:00 MSK ultrasound in SLE, SSc and Sjögren’s syndrome vs RA Lj. Smiljanić Tomičević
10:00 – 10:20 Muscle ultrasound in myositis F. A. Vreju
10:20 – 10:40 Discussion
10:40 – 11:00 Coffee Break
WORKSHOP 5 – MSK & Muscles
11:00 – 12:00 Hands-on scanning: Muscle echogenicity and atrophy, joint assessment in SLE/SSc, tendon involvement
12:00 – 12:30 Closing Remarks, Final Assessment & Certificates