Continuing Education for MRI Technologists, Radiologic Technologists, and other Medical Imaging Professionals.

6019-111 MRI Cardiac Imaging - A Ground Level Approach

This online activity was recorded at the ARMRIT 2019 East Coast, Semi-Annual Meeting, Delray Beach Marriott, Florida May 31 & June 1

Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, the learner should be better able to:

• Understand the history of Cardiac MRI as well as new techniques and works in progress
• Be aware of the correct anatomical views required for a clinical cardiac MRI study
• Understand why the unique advantages of cardiac makes MRI the imaging modality of choice for many disease processes
• Discuss the benefits and pitfalls of 3.0 Tesla cardiac imaging

Outline:
I. History of Cardiac MRI

• Advantages and Pitfalls 1.5T verses 3.0T
• Preparation- Patient Coaching
• Lead Placement-Alternative to Leads
• Cardiac MRI Plane Alignment, - A Clinical Perspective
• Cardiac MRI:  New Techniques and Works in Progress

II.  Currently cardiac MRI is the imaging modality of choice for many disease processes because it offers some unique advantages compared to other modalities:

• Right ventricle evaluation. (difficult with echocardiography)
• MR angiography. (relatively non invasive, and contrast agents well tolerated)
• Excellent soft tissue contrast.
• Absence of ionizing radiation

     Note:  Images will be shown to demonstrate these points.

III. Benefits of 3.0 Tesla cardiac imaging.

• Signal to noise ratio improved over 1.5 Tesla
• Shorter imaging times. (minimizing motion artifacts)
• Greater tissue contrast versus 1.5 Tesla
• Longer T1 relaxation times

1. Myocardial tagging superior compared to 1.5 T
2. Spin labeling superior    

    Note: Images will be shown to demonstrate these points.

IV. Pitfalls of 3.0 Tesla cardiac imaging. Susceptibility artifacts are exacerbated at 3.0 Tesla versus 1.5 Tesla

• Standard techniques such as cine imaging during steady state free precession do not work as well at 3.0 Tesla as at 1.5 Tesla
• Chemical shift doubled at 3.0 Tesla versus 1.5 Tesla
• SAR limits are more of a limitation. (Power of RF pulse increases as square of resonant frequency!)
• Many devices and equipment are currently only “Compatible” with 1.5 Tesla scanners
• Imaging managers have a smaller profit margin due to more expensive equipment

V.  Cardiac MRI Plane Alignment

• Using multiple planes to set up every view
• Delayed enhancement theory
   

Continuing Education Credit
This program has been approved by the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) for 1.0 hours ARRT Category A continuing education credit.

Certificates of Credit are accepted by the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Tuition
ICPME accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Tuition for this course includes unlimited access to the course and your Certificate of Credit.

Please note: tuition payments are non-refundable.

How to Enroll and Participate
Estimated time to complete this activity is 1.00 hours.

• Click ENROLL NOW, CONTINUE through the shopping cart, CONFIRM ORDER, and ACCESS COURSE NOW.
• Once you are enrolled, you can return to this course anytime by logging to your account at www.icpme.us.
• To access the course, click on MY ACCOUNT, then click on the course title.

How to Receive Credit

• To access the posttest and evaluation, login to your account at icpme.us and click on the course title.   
• Click the icons for POSTTEST and for EVALUATION.
• A passing grade of at least 75% is required to receive credit. You may take the test up to three times.
• Upon receipt of a passing grade, you will be able to print a certificate of credit from your account at icpme.us.

Your online account serves as a permanent record of credit certificates earned through icpme.us.

Questions?
Contact ICPME:
information@icpmed.com

Jointly Provided by

About the American Registry of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Because MRI is a Specialty

The mission of the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) is to recognize individuals qualified as specialists and to promote high standards of patient care and safety in the diagnostic medical imaging modality of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology including: interventional MRI, cardiovascular MRI, functional MRI, and MRI breast imaging.

ARMRIT is the first certifying organization to:
1.    Recognize MRI technology as a distinct medical imaging specialty utilizing non-ionizing radiation.
2.    Require MRI clinical experience and competency for eligibility.
3.    Promote formal MRI education with MRI clinical training.
4.    Recognize MRI schools that offer full-time educational program leading to a career in MRI.

Certification through the Registry is open to qualified technologists in all imaging fields who have documented MR clinical experience and/or formal education completed through schools dedicated to MRI technologists.

For more information about ARMRIT or to apply for certification, visit ARMRIT.org.

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 and/or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.