Orest Kayder, MD; Hamed Kordbacheh, MD; Sai Srikar Kilaru, MD; Imad Zak, MD, FACR

A variety of non-neoplastic intracranial cystic lesions are frequently encountered on brain imaging. Knowledge of their locations, imaging characteristics, and clinical behavior helps limit the differential diagnosis and guiding treatment. Jointly provided by IAME and Anderson Publishing Inc, this activity is designed to educate radiologists about idiopathic and acquired intracranial cystic lesions encountered on imaging, including their frequency, clinical presentation, and distinguishing imaging features that will help in guiding management.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Elainea N Smith, MD; Mohammad Ghosheh, MBBS; Kristin K Porter, MD, PhD

The abdominal radiologist plays an important role in providing care for transgender and gender-diverse patients, regardless of whether these patients choose to pursue gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery. Radiologists must be aware of the various treatment options and associated anatomic and pathologic changes in transgender patients to ensure accurate imaging interpretation. This activity is designed to educate radiologists about caring for transgender patients by reviewing relevant imaging findings of hormonal therapies, nonoperative procedures, and gender-affirming surgeries with a focus on abdominal and pelvic imaging. Creating an inclusive environment for transgender patients is also discussed.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Kaitlin M Zaki-Metias, MD; Mehrvaan Kaur, MD; Huijuan Wang, MD; Bilal Turfe; Nicholas Mills, MD; Yanruo Lu, MD; Bashir H Hakim, MD; Leslie S Allen, MD

Pregnant patients infrequently undergo CT given the risk of radiation to the developing fetus. As such, when CT is performed on pregnant patients in emergent situations, radiologists may be unfamiliar with the appearance of the placenta on CT and its normal evolution throughout gestation. This activity is designed to educate radiologists about the normal appearance of the placenta on CT and its evolution throughout pregnancy, as well as differentiation of these findings from placental abruption.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Praveen Pendyala, MD; Alexander G. Goglia, MD, PhD; Ronald D. Ennis, MD

The authors review the rationale behind the establishment of prior authorization (PA) by health care payers, discuss issues with the current system with a focus on radiation oncology, and propose multiple changes that could improve the system for clinicians, payers, and patients.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

CT Technology continues to evolve with modern platforms designed for radiation therapy (XRT) with advanced applications supporting comprehensive diagnoses, precise treatment plans and better patient outcomes. XRT is guided by CT Simulation which can be obstructed due to metal implants beam hardening artifacts. Metal Artifact Reduction (MAR) is a projection-based reconstruction technique that restores anatomical details obscured by metal during conventional image reconstruction and automatically improves images for increased clinical confidence.

In this accredited Expert Forum Webinar, Yashbir Mehta,MD, shares insights into the advanced CT Simulation techniques supporting the improvement of XRT treatment planning accuracy and specificity of tumor volumes. These advanced features are supported by a clinical review of cases demonstrating improved treatment plans, thus impacting patient management and care.

Learning Objectives

• Implement advanced CT applications.
• Effectively manage obese and claustrophobic patient.
• Implement workflow considerations for improved service and reliability.

This program is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.

Kaitlyn Lapen, MD; Noah J. Mathis, BS; C. Jillian Tsai, MD, PhD; Jonathan T. Yang, MD, PhD; Erin F. Gillespie, MD

The authors review published prospective trials and protocols on stereotactic radiation therapies for metastatic disease to determine whether the terms SBRT and SABR are being used differentially based on intent of treatment, defined by primary study outcome, and propose a distinct definition of each.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

In this Expert Forum, Dr. Matthew Covington shares his understanding of the benefits and limitations of contrast-enhanced mammography, as compared to contrast-enhanced breast MRI, and how this imaging technique can be incorporated into clinical practice. Following the presentation questions from the audience were addressed in a moderated Q&A session.

Learning Objectives

• Dictate the strengths and limitations of contrast-enhanced mammography compared to contrast-enhanced breast MRI.
• Recognize indications for the appropriate use of contrast-enhanced mammography.
• Implement a contrast-enhanced mammography program.

This program is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation.

Lisa Singer, MD, PhD; Benjamin H. Kann, MD; Daniel N. Cagney, MD; Jonathan E. Leeman, MD; Sue S. Yom, MD, PhD; David Kozono, MD, PhD

While traditionally CT- and x-ray based, lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) practices will likely be impacted by the emerging availability of MR guidance. This review provides an overview of the role of MR guidance in SBRT for the treatment of lung cancers. Limitations, data, and future directions for treatments are reviewed with a focus on peripheral, central, and ultracentral lung cancers.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Brittany R. Derynda, BA; *Casey L. Liveringhouse, MD; John M. Bryant, MD; Stephen A. Rosenberg, MD, MS

This review article describes technical advantages for MR-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) that lead to the rationale for use in the oligometastatic setting. The authors summarize existing data demonstrating the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of MRgRT for various disease sites. Finally, the authors discuss ongoing clinical trials utilizing MRgRT, which will continue to define and expand its role.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Steven Benitez, MD; Ryan Holland, MD; Richard Zampolin, MD; Andrew Brook, BA, MS; Joshua Hirsch, MD; Allan L Brook, MD, Deepak Khatri, MD

As thrombectomy has become the standard of care for large vessel/arterial occlusions, the indications are initiated by proper imaging and understanding of the brain blood flow physiology. This two-part series examines the standard of care for acute stroke imaging and the latest techniques. The second part of this activity on stroke intervention will appear in the November-December issue of Applied Radiology.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

*Yufan (Fred) Wu, MD; *Hyunsoo Joshua No, MD, CMD; Dylan Y. Breitkreutz, PhD; Anthony E. Mascia, PhD; Raphaël Moeckli, PhD; Jean Bourhis, MD, PhD; Emil Schüler, PhD; †Peter G. Maxim, PhD; †Billy W. Loo Jr., MD, PhD

With a steady increase in FLASH-RT human clinical trials underway, this review discusses the technological basis for FLASH-RT clinical trials and explores the modalities, treatment parameters, technical limitations, and potential indications of current ultrahigh dose RT (UHDR-RT) technologies.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Often there is lack of knowledge amongst imaging professionals regarding IV contrast dynamics and the relationship between contrast injection, observed enhancement, and scan acquisition timing. The design of appropriate imaging protocols leads to effective and consistent cardiovascular exams; especially when applied to complex clinical scenarios.

This CME/CE accredited program will review contrast-saline dynamics and discuss rational protocol design for cardiac and vascular CT angiography. Effective cardiovascular imaging protocols, utilizing multiple CT injector platforms to achieve optimal imaging, will be reviewed. We invite you to join Dr. Richard Hallett for a comprehensive discussion and case study review of this important topic.

Following the presentation questions from the audience were addressed in a moderated Q&A session.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Understand the relationship between bolus contrast media injection and observed enhancement.
• Implement methods to design rational contrast injection / scan acquisition protocols.
• Review various models of CT contrast injectors and discuss benefits, limitations, and injection protocol adjustments for each.
• Apply customized contrast-saline injection / scan principles to complex cardiovascular disease cases.

Made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Individuals entering the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment, whether on a regular or infrequent basis, must be properly trained to ensure their safety, the protection of patients, and the security of other facility staff members. This program, Basic MRI Safety Training, Level 1 MR Personnel accomplishes the initial training that is necessary to ensure safety in the unique setting associated with the MRI system. It includes information pertaining to MRI technology, describes common hazards and unique dangers associated with the MRI setting, and presents vital recommendations and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. Importantly, this program provides the fundamental MRI safety information for Level I MR Personnel recommended by the American College of Radiology and may be utilized by individuals preparing for safety training as Level 2 MR Personnel.

With more than 35 years of experience in the field of MRI, the author of the best-selling textbook series, the Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants and Devices, and the creator of the internationally popular website, www.MRIsafety.com, Dr. Frank G. Shellock is uniquely qualified to present the information in this program.

Educational Objectives

• Appreciate the importance of MRI
• Identify the hazards associated with MRI
• Understand the screening process
• Describe steps to prevent accidents and injuries

This is a Pay-To-View program. Purchase is required for full program access. 

Adam C. Riegel, PhD, DABR

The purpose of this article is to review recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as they specifically pertain to head-and-neck radiation oncology. The main focus will be applications and clinical impact of these techniques. Specifically, this article addresses autosegmentation of organs at risk (OARs), autosegmentation of target volumes, treatment planning and predictive dose calculation, image-guided adaptive radiation therapy, prognosis and outcome prediction, and quality assurance.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Arash Mirrahimi, MD, MSc; Charlotte Gallienne, MD; Hournaz Ghandehari, MD, FRCPC

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a true surgical emergency and a rare life-threatening condition, accounting for 0.01% of hospital admissions, with extremely high mortality rates (up to 69%). Poor outcomes remain prevalent despite advances in both diagnostic and treatment options over the last two decades

Early diagnosis and management are particularly important given that the highest incidence of AMI occurs in the elderly population, who often have multiple comorbidities leading to a worse prognosis. Biphasic contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images have become the mainstay and standard of care for investigation and timely diagnosis of AMI.

As such, the importance of recognizing imaging features of AMI and timely communication of findings with the referring physicians is of utmost importance for diagnostic radiologists and always a worthwhile topic for review. We have therefore endeavored to provide a brief summary of the presentation of AMI, its causes, relevant anatomy, and most importantly, illustrated review of CT findings that delineate ischemic changes of the bowel and mesentery.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Victor E. Chen, MD; Joseph F. Lombardo, DO, PharmD; Serguei A. Castaneda, MD; Karen M. Winkfield, MD, PhD; Scot A. Fisher, DO; Eric L. Gressen, MD; Shari B. Rudoler, MD; Weisi Yan, MD, PhD; Shefali R. Gajjar, MD

This review article describes key factors that contribute to lung cancer disparities for Black patients and discusses strategies and future directions for radiation oncologists to bridge the gap. Topics discussed are contributing factors for disparities in lung cancer incidence, disparities in lung cancer prevention, disparities in lung cancer treatment and outcomes, and potential strategies to overcome barriers.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

Jack Bennett, Cynthia Peterson, MPH, RDMS, RVT; Richard G. Barr MD, PhD

Ultrasound (US) is often the initial imaging modality for evaluation of renal diseases. Non-enhanced US faces limitations in the assessment of focal renal masses and complex cysts. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on the kidneys can overcome these shortcomings.

There are several advantages of CEUS over contrast-enhanced CT or contrast-enhanced MRI. These include the fact that the narrow US beam allows for improved visualization of vascularity in small structures such as septations or small mural nodules; high temporal resolution with real time assessment of vascularity; lack of radiation; and no renal impairment.

Excluding inflammatory masses, vascular abnormalities and pseudotumors, most solid enhancing renal masses are malignant. Complicated cystic lesions with enhancing soft tissue components, excluding the actual cyst wall, are malignant. Using enhancement pattern, renal masses can be characterized with high sensitivity and specificity

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.

In this final segment of this 3-part series, Dr. Laurie Fajardo addresses the radiologist’s challenges associated with dense breast imaging and interpretation through discussion and case presentation of interval breast cancer. This includes issues associated with assigning breast cancer risk to breast density and qualitative versus quantitative methods for assessing, and reporting breast density and risk assessment.

Further Dr. Fajardo will discuss how to incorporate breast cancer risk assessment into your breast imaging practice and closes the program with a discussion on the current impact of Artificial Intelligence on breast imaging and how it can enhance workflow.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Articulate issues associated with assessing and reporting breast density and its associated cancer risk.
• Explain the benefits of incorporating comprehensive risk assessment into breast imaging practices.
• Implement the use of artificial intelligence to enhance breast imaging practice workflow and performance.

Supported through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

In this program Dr. Laurie Fajardo shares her experience with the set-up and use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in clinical practice. Participants will hear about system design, the impact on clinical performance, and how to best manage recall rates. In addition through carefully selected cases, Dr. Fajardo will share her approach to image interpretation and how one can manage DBT workflow effectively.

Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Explain the technology behind digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).
• Describe the impact DBT has on clinical performance.
• Implement an approach to DBT interpretation.

Supported through an unrestricted educational grant from FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

Matthew Schwenke, MD; Manu Singh, MD; and Bernard Chow, MD

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are increasing over time, with younger women at elevated risk. Meniscal tears are also a significant source of morbidity in both the younger and older populations. Surgical repair of both conditions may alleviate symptoms and allow resumption of athletic activities. Understanding of the pathogenesis, associated findings, and appearance of these injuries on all imaging modalities is critical to their accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Radiographs may show indirect signs of ACL and meniscal injuries. Ultrasonography is being utilized more often in the workup of these conditions as an adjunct to physical exam and as an initial screening tool. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) arthrography are both well suited for evaluation of these lesions, though somewhat limited by cost and access for MRI and by invasiveness for CT arthrography. ACL and meniscal tears can also be graded and classified according to their appearance on imaging which helps guide the surgeon during arthroscopy.

Available for SA-CME Credit. To receive SA–CME credit, you must complete the post exam and review the discussion and references provided with the exam results.