Course Description
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences use radiofrequency pulses and magnetic field gradients to create high-quality anatomical images of the human body. Understanding the basics of MRI data acquisition, image processing, and secure image transfer provide a strong foundation for radiologic technologists (RTs) to produce accurate images for diagnosis. This course will begin with an overview of the 3 main imaging sequences including spin-echo, inversion recovery, and gradient-echo pulse sequences and the approaches to altering these sequences to produce the desired image weighting. The basic parameters and applications of advanced pulse sequences will be discussed, including echo-planar imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion, and spectroscopy. Blood flow dynamics and the parameters of the 3 main angiography methods, time-of-flight, phase contrast, and contrast-enhanced imaging, will be introduced. Various methods of raw data collection in k-space and mathematical transformation into the final image will be explored. Postprocessing methods of manipulating data to enhance the final images, including the maximum intensity projection, multiplanar reformation, subtraction, apparent diffusion coefficient maps, and cine methods will be covered. Finally, the essential aspects of picture archival communication systems (PACS)/medical image management and processing system (MIMPS), Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM), and image storage and retrieval will be detailed along with a discussion of data security and confidentiality.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE the parameters of routine MRI spin-echo, inversion recovery, and gradient-echo pulse sequences.
• OUTLINE the properties and applications of specialized MRI pulse sequences.
• COMPARE the characteristics of vascular MRI pulse sequences, including time-of-flight, phase contrast, and contrast-enhanced sequences.
• EXPLAIN the process of MRI image formation with k-space filling and fast Fourier transformation.
• APPLY post-processing techniques to reconstruct MR images for improved diagnostic value.
• EXPLAIN the role of informatics in MRI, including data management systems, networking, archiving, and security.

 

Category: MRI

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 14 out of 18 questions correctly to receive the 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 2.0 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 (for Technical credits). 

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
Computed Tomography	Image Production	0.25
Magnetic Resonance	Image Production	2
Mammography	Image Production	0.25
Nuclear Medicine	Image Production	0.25
Radiography	Image Production	0.25
Sonography	Image Production	0.25
Vascular Sonography	Image Production	0.25

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Computed Tomography	Image Evaluation and Archiving	0.25
Magnetic Resonance	Data Acquisition, Processing, and Storage	2
Mammography	Image Acquisition and Quality Assurance	0.25
Nuclear Medicine	Instrumentation	0.25
Radiography	Equipment Operation and Quality Assurance	0.25
Sonography	Evaluation and Selection of Representative Images	0.25
Vascular Sonography	Evaluation and Selection of Representative Images	0.25

Category	Credits
Digital	0
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	0