MRI for Technologists:
Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents: Physicochemical Properties and Applications
This course expires January 1st, 2019
If you want credit, this course must be completed (i.e. view course content (PDF file), pass the posttest, AND print the certificate) by no later than December 31st, 2018
Please note, after this course has expired, no aspect of the course will be accessible, including the course text (PDF file)
Format: | Online Course |
Credit: | 1.5 ARRT Category A+ |
Tuition: | $15 Special Sale: $7.50 |
Certificates of Credit accepted by ARMRIT |
PROGRAM INFORAMTION
MRI for Technologists is a training program designed to meet the needs of radiologic technologists entering or working in the MRI field. These units are designed to augment classroom instruction and on-site training for radiologic technology students and professionals planning to take the review board examinations, as well as to provide a review for those looking to refresh their knowledge base in MR imaging.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The skill of the technologist is the single most important factor in obtaining good quality diagnostic images. A successful MRI examination is the culmination of many factors under the direct control of the technologist.
MRI for Technologists: Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents: Physicochemical Properties and Applications introduces the learner to the chemical properties of the nine currently FDA-approved MRI contrast agents, as well as why the physical characteristics of gadolinium make this rare earth metal ideal for use as an MRI contrast agent. The attributes of thermodynamics and kinetics are visualized to demonstrate the relationship between the gadolinium ion and its chelates. The critical concept of relaxivity is explained as well as its impact on image quality. Differences between older and new GBCAs will be discussed, their safety profiles reviewed, and imaging applications for each agent explained. Acute and delayed reactions to GBCAs are addressed, including clinical management of minor to serious adverse events.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing this educational material, the reader will be able to:
ACCREDITATION AND CREDIT
This program has been approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 1.5 hours of ARRT Category A+ continuing education credit.
TUITION
Tuition for this course includes:
ICPME accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.
Please note: tuition payments are non-refundable.
How to Enroll and Participate
Time to complete this activity is 1.5 hours.
How to Receive Credit
Your online account with ICPME serves as a permanent record of credit certificates earned through www.icpme.us.
FACULTY
Peter Caravan Ph.D.
Dr. Caravan received his BSc with honors from Acadia University and his PhD in chemistry from the University of British Columbia. His post-doctoral research was performed at Université de Lausanne.
Dr. Caravan has more than 15 years of academic and industrial experience in the design, synthesis, and evaluation of targeted imaging probes. Before joining Harvard Medical School and MGH, Dr. Caravan spent several years at Epix Pharmaceuticals developing tissue-specific MRI contrast agents and was ultimately responsible for all contrast agent research. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles on the chemistry, biophysics, and applications of imaging probes.
Dr. Caravan has contributed a highly cited review (>2000 citations) on the chemistry of gadolinium-based contrast agents as well as written several book chapters on the properties and applications of contrast agents.
Alexander Guimaraes, MD
Dr. Guimaraes received his MD at Harvard Medicine School and PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both his radiology residency and fellowship were completed at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Guimaraes specializes in the both the clinical and research aspects of gastrointestinal cancers, including liver and pancreatic cancer.
His research interests are developing, analyzing, and translating novel magnetic resonance pulse sequence paradigms and applying novel targeted contrast agents for the goal of better means of quantifying angiogenesis and other relevant biomarkers in both cancer models and in humans undergoing clinical trials. These interests stem from his scientific background in magnetic resonance imaging pulse sequence design and clinical background in abdominal imaging.
Dr. Guimaraes recently joined the Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) as a clinical investigator and a member of both the mouse imaging programs and clinical discovery programs. This has afforded him the unique opportunity to apply and translate novel targeted contrast agents and to develop and translate novel pulse sequence algorithms from animal models to humans suffering with cancer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Our thanks to Tom Schrack, BS, ARMRIT, Manager, MR Education and Technical Development, Fairfax Radiological Consultants in Fairfax, VA for his review of this material.
Questions
For questions regarding this program, please contact ICPME:
Email: information@icpmed.com
Phone: 607-257-5860 X10
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SUPPORTED BY AN EDUCATIONAL GRANT FROM
Disclaimer
Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.