MRI Techniques and Applications 1 MIMG 2160

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Describe image weighting and interpret a variety of pulse sequences used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). In addition to the evaluation of MR images in order to optimize image quality. The following concepts, skills and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Image weighting and parameters settings
• Pulse sequences and when to use them
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
• Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)
• Spatial resolution
• Acquisition time
• MRI artifacts and compensation techniques
• 1.5T and 3T scanning considerations
• Specialized imaging techniques
• Describe, explain, and evaluate a routine MRI examination of the brain. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Patient preparation – (NOD, patient ID, explanation of exam, consent, hearing protection, call bell)
• Optimal coil selection, accessory equipment, patient positioning and immobilization devices
• Operate imaging systems and digital networking and archiving systems
• Select and optimize pulse sequences, imaging planes, parameters and options for exams of the brain
• Adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Limit and extent of anatomical tissue coverage and pathological tissue coverage
• Evaluate image quality and optimize imaging parameters and planes
• Specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction practices
• Post processing, assess need for additional sequences and verification of completeness of acquired data and documentation
• Scanning techniques for the brain, orbits, temporal lobes, pituitary gland, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), posterior fossa, cranial nerves and MR angiography and venography
• Describe, explain, and evaluate MRI examinations of the spine. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Patient preparation – (NOD, patient ID, explanation of exam, consent, hearing protection, call bell)
• Optimal coil selection, accessory equipment, patient positioning and immobilization devices
• Operate imaging systems and digital networking and archiving systems
• Select and optimize pulse sequences, imaging planes, parameters and options for exams of the spine
• Adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Limit and extent of anatomical tissue coverage and pathological tissue coverage
• Evaluate image quality and optimize imaging parameters and planes
• Specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction practices
• Post processing, assess need for additional sequences and verification of completeness of acquired data and documentation
• Scanning techniques for the complete spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacrum, coccyx, soft tissue neck, pharynx
• Describe, explain, and evaluate a routine MRI examination of the shoulder. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Patient preparation – (NOD, patient ID, explanation of exam, consent, hearing protection, call bell)
• Optimal coil selection, accessory equipment, patient positioning and immobilization devices
• Operate imaging systems and digital networking and archiving systems
• Select and optimize pulse sequences, imaging planes, parameters and options for exams of the shoulder
• Adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Limit and extent of anatomical tissue coverage
• Evaluate image quality and optimize imaging parameters and planes
• Specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction practices
• Post processing, assess need for additional sequences and verification of completeness of acquired data and documentation
• Scanning techniques for the shoulder
• Describe, explain, and evaluate MRI examinations of the elbow. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Patient preparation – (NOD, patient ID, explanation of exam, consent, hearing protection, call bell)
• Optimal coil selection, accessory equipment, patient positioning and immobilization devices
• Operate imaging systems and digital networking and archiving systems
• Select and optimize pulse sequences, imaging planes, parameters, and options for exams of the elbow
• Adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Limit and extent of anatomical tissue coverage
• Evaluate image quality and optimize imaging parameters and planes
• Specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction practices
• Post processing, assess need for additional sequences and verification of completeness of acquired data and documentation
• Scanning techniques for the elbow
• Describe, explain, and evaluate MRI examinations of the wrist. The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Patient preparation – (NOD, patient ID, explanation of exam, consent, hearing protection, call bell)
• Optimal coil selection, accessory equipment, patient positioning and immobilization devices
• Operate imaging systems and digital networking and archiving systems
• Pulse sequences, imaging planes, parameters and options for exams of the wrist
• Adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Limit and extent of anatomical and pathological tissue coverage
• Monitor patient and adapt procedure to changes in patient condition and resources
• Specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction practices
• Post processing, assess need for additional sequences and verification of completeness of acquired data and documentation
• Scanning techniques for the wrist

Effective as of Spring/Summer 2023