MRI for Technologists:
Advanced MRI Neurological Applications

Format: Online Activity
Credit:  2.0 ARRT Category A
Fee for Credit Certificate: $15

Click ENROLL NOW to view or download this program and complete the POSTTEST online.

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: Advanced MRI Neurological Applications introduces the learner to the multiple approaches used to assess brain function, including diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion-weighted imaging, BOLD imaging, and MR spectroscopy. Each of these techniques provides unique information about the brain’s function in the presence of pathology.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing this educational activity, the reader will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles of echo planar imaging
• Describe the mechanisms of diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging
• Identify clinical uses of diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging
• Describe the principles and applications of BOLD imaging
• Explain the basis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Identify the various techniques used with MR spectroscopy
• Evaluate the factors that can affect the quality of MR spectroscopy

EDUCATIONAL CREDIT
This program has been approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 2.0 hours of ARRT Category A continuing education credit.

HOW TO RECEIVE CREDIT
Estimated time to complete this activity is 2 hours. The posttest and evaluation are required to receive credit and must be completed online.

• In order to access the posttest and evaluation, enroll in the online course at www.icpme.us.
• Read the entire activity.
• Log in to your account at www.icpme.us to complete the posttest and evaluation, accessible through the course link in your account.
• A passing grade of at least 75% is required to be eligible to receive credit.
• You may take the test up to three times.
• Upon receipt of a passing grade, you will receive instructions on how to print a certificate of credit.
• There is a $15 fee to process a certificate of credit.

FACULTY BIOGRAPHY

Thomas Schrack, BS, ARMRIT
Manager, MR Education and Technical Development
Fairfax Radiological Consultants
Fairfax, VA

While currently serving as Manager of MR Education and Technical Development at Fairfax Radiological Consults, Mr. Schrack also serves as Adjunct Faculty Instructor for Northern Virginia Community College, teaching MR physics and clinical procedures. He also serves on the Board of Examiners of the American Registry of MRI Technologists.

Prior to joining Fairfax Radiological Consultants, Mr. Schrack was employed by GE Healthcare in several roles, including advanced high-field applications development as 1.5T Marketing Manager. He is the author of Echo Planar Imaging: An Applications Guide, GE Healthcare, 1996; contributing author, Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine with David Stroller, MD, 1997; and co-author of two modules in the series titled MRI for Technologists: Technical Considerations of MRI and Body Applications of MRI  with International Center for Postgraduate Medical Education, 2006 and 2009, respectively.

Mr. Schrack is a graduate of James Mason University, North Virginia Community College, and The Pittsburgh NMR Institute.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE
ICPME is committed to providing learners with high-quality continuing education (CE) that promotes improvements or quality in healthcare and not a specific proprietary business interest of a commercial interest.

A conflict of interest (COI) exists when an individual has both a financial relationship with a commercial interest and the opportunity to control the content of CE relating to the product or services of that commercial interest. A commercial interest is defined as any proprietary entity producing healthcare goods or services with the following exemptions: (1) governmental agencies, eg, the NIH; (2) not-for-profit organizations; and (3) CE honoraria received by the faculty or advisors, planners and managers, or their spouse/life partner.

The following faculty, planners, advisors, and managers have NO relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CE activity:

Tom Schrack, BS, ARMRIT        
Jacqueline Bello, MD, FACR
Kate Latimer, BSRS, RT (R)(MR)(CT)
Linda McLean, MS
Victoria Phoenix, BS


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

For their thoughtful reviews of this material, special thanks go to:

Jacqueline Bello, MD, FACR
Director of Neuroradiology
Professor of Clinical Radiology and Neurosurgery    
Montefiore Medical Center    
Albert Einstein College of Medicine                    
Bronx, NY

Kate Latimer, BSRS, RT (R)(MR)(CT)
Clinical Education Coordinator for MRI
Health Technologies Division
Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, NC    

Recognition is also due the author of the original material, Richard A. Bronen, MD and Carl E. Johnson, MD, for their significant and lasting contributions.


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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.