MRI for Technologists: MRI of the Brain and Spine

MRI for Technologists: MRI of the Brain and Spine is organized by International Center for Postgraduate Medical Education (ICPME).

Original Release Date: May 2004
Expiration Date: May 1, 2021

Accreditation:
This program has been accredited by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 3.0 hours of ARRT Category A continuing education credit.

Course Overview:
The skill of the technologist is the single most crucial factor in attaining good quality diagnostic images. A successful MRI examination is the conclusion of many factors under the direct control of the technologist.
MRI for Technologists: MRI of the Brain and Spine offers the learner the concepts and techniques employed in neuroradiological imaging, along with the surface coil technology, imaging applications, pulse sequences, disease processes, and protocols.

Educational Objectives:
At the conclusion of this educational activity, the reader will be able to:
• Define recent surface coil technology, field strength and gradient power, and pulse sequences that drive MRI of the central nervous system
• Identify specific applications of MR brain imaging, including demyelinating disease, primary brain tumors, and vascular disease
• Demonstrate the techniques of MR angiography and venography
• Discuss why MRI of the fetal brain is superior to ultrasound
• Define various differential diagnoses including infections, inflammatory, and vascular disease and the role of MRI in narrowing the diagnosis
• Employ the correct imaging pulse sequence, plane, and coverage for the major clinical indications for brain MRI
• Note the main clinical indications for spinal MRI
• Examine the most common disease processes evaluated by MRI of the spine
• Define the most prevalent pulse sequences used for spine imaging
• Demonstrate fundamental imaging requirements for spine imaging