Course Description
Mammography is the primary modality for breast cancer screening, with a supplementary contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) examination recommended for high-risk patients. These modalities are very effective in diagnosing patients with breast cancer, but both have limitations that require research and protocol updates for improved detection. Mammography has a lower sensitivity than CE-MRI, or lower ability to correctly detect pathology. Digital breast tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced (CE) mammography are 2 innovative technologies that can potentially improve the sensitivity of mammography. MRI examinations can be lengthy, are usually expensive, and are sometimes unavailable for a large portion of the population. However, reducing the examination time with abbreviated or ultrafast protocols can preserve the high sensitivity and ultimately lower the cost, which can allow more patients to be scanned in a single day. Other innovations in MRI of the breast include updating equipment to improve image quality and creating a protocol that does not require contrast injection. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have also improved lesion detection and diagnosis, assisting radiologists with interpretation, speed, and accuracy. This course will outline new techniques and protocols in mammography and MRI, consider the benefits and limitations of each new technique, and describe how AI with computer-aided detection combined with diagnosis may improve breast cancer screening results.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE the current American College of Radiology guidelines for performing mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for breast cancer screening.
• COMPARE the benefits, risks, and limitations of current mammography and breast MRI protocols.
• DIFFERENTIATE the techniques, uses, and differences between digital breast tomosynthesis and contrast-enhanced mammography procedures.
• OUTLINE the technical factors and limitations of abbreviated, ultrafast, and noncontrast MRI procedures.
• EXPLAIN the current use of computer-aided detection and future applications of artificial intelligence in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
  
  

Categories: Mammography, MRI, Digital Radiography    

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 20 out of 26 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.    

Category	Content Area	Credits
Breast Sonography	Patient Care	0.5
Magnetic Resonance	Patient Care	0.25
Magnetic Resonance	Procedures	0.75
Mammography	Image Production	0.5
Mammography	Patient Care	0.5
Mammography	Procedures	0.75
Radiation Therapy	Patient Care	0.5
Radiologist Assistant	Procedures	0.5

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Breast Sonography	Patient Interactions and Management	0.5
Magnetic Resonance	Body	0.75
Magnetic Resonance	Patient Interactions and Management	0.25
Mammography	Image Acquisition and Quality Assurance	0.5
Mammography	Mammographic Positioning, Special Needs and Imaging Procedures	0.75
Mammography	Patient Interactions and Management	0.5
Radiation Therapy	Patient and Medical Records Management	0.5
Radiologist Assistant	Thoracic Section	0.5

Category	Credits
Digital	0
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	1.75