Radiology Today

Next Generation MRI Contrast Agents: Application to Clinical Management and Workflow

Presented by:
Ari D Goldberg, MD, PhD

Accredited by The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: March 1, 2024  •  Expiration Date: March 31, 2027  •  Credits: 1.0

New MRI contrast agents continue to be developed, with a focus on continued improvements in stability and safety, as well as maximization of image clarity. These distinctions rest in the molecular structure of the particular gadolinium-based contrast agent. Understanding the relative safety and efficacy of these agents is important in the radiologic management of patients.

During this program, we’ll look closely at novel advances related to MRI contrast safety and management; understanding the risks associated with various agents as well as their efficacy

MRI Accidents & Preventions: Regulation & Accreditation

Presented by:
Tobias Gilk, M.Arch., MRSO, MRSE

Accredited by The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: March 1, 2024  •  Expiration Date: March 31, 2027  •  Credits: 1.0

Despite the “safe imaging option” reputation, when it comes to MRI there are risks that need to be considered in the safety regulation and accreditation standards. Unlike ionizing radiology modalities, such as X-ray, CT, and fluoroscopy, MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal body tissues and structures. While MRI is generally considered safe, there are still risks associated with the use of this technology. To address these potential risks, safety regulations and accreditation standards for MRI must be carefully designed and implemented to respond to the safety concerns that are peculiar to MRI. Healthcare providers also need to have access to training and education on MRI accidents and safe practices.

This informative session will shed light on the gaps that exist in MRI safety regulation and accreditation, as compared to ionizing radiology.  Participants will learn about the emergent risks associated with MRI and the preventative measures that can be taken.  Additionally, Toby will also provide a scorecard of how well accreditation meets its promise of assuring safety when it comes to MRI.  Participants will leave, equipped with valuable insights crucial to ensuring maximum safety in MRI practices.

Managing Patients Undergoing MRI with Gadolinium Contrast Media

Presented by:
Donna Roberts, MD, MS

Accredited by The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: February 3, 2023  •  Expiration Date: February 28, 2026  •  Credits: 1.0

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) plays a critical role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up of many CNS disorders. However, as with all drugs, the risks versus benefits must be assessed prior to each use. GBCAs are widely used and have shown a very good safety profile. Although rare, acute hypersensitivity reactions, a condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with abnormal renal function, and more recently the long-term retention of gadolinium in the body has been associated with GBCA use.

Donna Roberts, MD, MS, discusses the current landscape of GBCA usage in patients with CNS disorders. In addition, the webinar will review the current practice guidelines and future directs for maximizing the clinical benefits of GBCAs while reducing the exposure of patients to GBCAs.

MRI Contrast Agents and Relaxivity: The Physics Behind the Injection

Presented by:
Jeffrey H Maki, MD, PhD

Accredited by The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: February 3, 2023  •  Expiration Date: February 28, 2026  •  Credits: 1.0

Gadolinium based contrast agents are vital to many clinical applications of MR imaging and contribute greatly to MRI’s powerful diagnostic abilities. As physicians who prescribe, or technologists who administer these contrast agents, it is important to have a good understanding of how they work, and what the differences are between various formulations or “brands”. Gadolinium is a highly toxic heavy metal and is only rendered safe for human administration by tightly binding it to a molecular structure called a chelate. Different gadolinium formulations are characterized by different chelates. The structure of this chelate dictates everything about the agent, from its biodistribution, to its safety profile to how well it does its job of increasing image contrast to highlight different forms of pathology.

Join Jeffrey H Maki, MD, PhD, who discusses the basics of MR relaxation times and how these impact image formation, the mechanism by which MR contrast agents work to relax protons, the different ways the structure of the chelate can be designed to improve this relaxivity and the potential of increased relaxivity contrast agents to impact clinical MR imaging

At the end of this dynamic discussion, attendees will have a much better understanding of the changing landscape of gadolinium-based contrast agents and be better equipped to most effectively choose and use the most appropriate agent for their patient’s needs

MRI Risk Assessment of Implants & Foreign Bodies

Presented by:
Tobias Gilk, M.Arch., MRSO, MRSE

Accredited by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: December 1, 2021  •  Expiration Date: January 1, 2026  •  Credits: 1.0

Apart from no-show patients, clearing patients with implants, medical devices, or foreign bodies is one of the most time-consuming and delay-producing aspects of MRI care. In this presentation Toby Gilk will walk through the various legal duties and limitations relative to authorizing patients with foreign bodies to proceed with an MRI exam, with examples of both appropriate and inappropriate guiding policies.

Next, Mr. Gilk will walk you through ‘untangling’ the risks of scanning patients with devices, reducing one unsolvable mess into identifiable separate risks associated with the three different electromagnetic fields of the MRI: Static Magnetic Field; Time-Varying Gradients; and Radiofrequency Magnetic Fields. Finally, he’ll provide you with a simplified risk-assessment tool that can help evaluate potential risks of harm for every possible implant, device, shrapnel or foreign body.

Opportunities Beyond R.T. - Career Pathway Enhancement

Presented by:
Jacqueline K. Peccerillo, R.T. (R)(CT)(BD)(PET)

Accredited by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 1.0 Category A ARRT and CRA continuing education credits.

Effective Date: December 1, 2021  •  Expiration Date: January 1, 2026  •  Credits: 1.0

Becoming a radiologic technologist (R.T.) is an exciting step in an individual’s career pathway. But, what happens afterwards? Radiologic technology extends beyond diagnostic imaging and includes clinical application specialists, educators, PACS administrators, RIS specialists, medical device representatives, researchers and much more. In training, student radiographers learn about the various modalities beyond general radiography like magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography , mammography, and bone densitometry. Once officially working as an R.T. in the clinical setting, with exposure to the above modalities, R.T.s may begin to question what they want to do next and seek opportunities for professional growth.

Health care is an interdisciplinary field, and R.T.s are exposed to a wealth of alternative modalities and employment opportunities. Which ones should you choose and how do you move into a new role? By researching the current job market, R.T.s can analyze trending opportunities and profitable positions. After identifying opportunities, a self-assessment must be performed to determine goals, strengths, and weaknesses.

In this practical and engaging webinar, Professor Jacqueline Peccerillo, R.T. (R)(CT)(BD)(PET), will share actionable strategies to uncover opportunities for professional growth and perform self-assessments to identify fitting opportunities. Professor Peccerillo will also share vignettes describing the journeys that other R.T.s have taken to reach their goals to help attendees take the next steps towards the wisest and most fitting career pathway enhancements.