Back to Basics: Cardiac MRI

Back to Basics: Cardiac MRI is organized by eRADIMAGING.

Release Date: 7/14/2022
Expiration Date: 8/1/2028

Course Description:
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is an excellent imaging modality that is the gold standard for assessing many cardiovascular abnormalities. CMR holds several advantages over other imaging modalities used to evaluate the heart, most notably that it is noninvasive, does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation, and provides functional and anatomical information about the heart, great vessels, and valves. In order for radiologic technologists to perform successful CMR studies, in-depth knowledge of both the anatomy of the heart and MR physics are essential. This course will review cardiac anatomy, as well as technical considerations of CMR including MRI physics, imaging planes, techniques/pulse sequences, contrast agents, patient preparation, imaging equipment, safety considerations, postimaging evaluation, CMR indications, and cardiac pathology. The pathology of coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, cardiac masses, pericardial disease, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, and diseases of the aorta and great vessels will also be presented. Finally, the current utility of interventional CMR will also be outlined.

Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, the participant should be able to:

• IDENTIFY the key cardiac structures pertinent to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart and coronary vessels.
• EXPLAIN the fundamentals of MRI, including magnetization, relaxation, and basic pulse sequences.NAME the general and cardiac-specific imaging planes used in MRI of the heart.
• OUTLINE the pulse sequences, techniques, and patient preparation steps that are essential in MRI of the heart.
• IDENTIFY and SUMMARIZE the various pathologies for which MRI of the heart is used.
• RESTATE the basics and usage of interventional MRI for the heart.