Through comprehensive case study reviews and panel discussions, imaging experts in the field of neuroradiology will provide insights into the effective implementation of contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI protocols and functional imaging techniques designed to improve visualization of the anatomy and physiology.

A review of a recently revised ACR guidance document will empower radiologists when performing perfusion MRI applications and may improve both their clinical confidence and their consultative roles when communicating with the patient’s care team

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

• State the clinical benefits of MR perfusion and/or functional imaging in the diagnosis of glioblastomas.
• Implement impactful MR perfusion imaging protocols in their practice.
• Participate in patient and referring physician conversations in a more consultative role with improved knowledge and communication skills.

This program is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Bayer HealthCare.

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. 

CT Technology continues to evolve with modern platforms now being designed with improved patient comfort, increased workflow, and advanced applications supporting comprehensive diagnoses, precise treatment plans and better patient outcomes.

In this CE accredited Expert Forum Webinar, Rick Banner, RT (R), Senior Director of Marketing, Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. shares insights into the design of advanced CT platforms that are addressing today’s clinical challenges while reducing the total cost of ownership. These advanced features will be supported by Dr. Lawrence N. Tanenbaum’s personal experience on how these advanced features are making a clinical difference in the day-to-day operations in busy imaging departments.

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

• Implement advanced CT applications
• Effectively manage obese and claustrophobic patients
• Implement workflow considerations with improved CT service and reliability

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

In this accredited Expert Forum webinar, the assessment of Gadopiclenol injection in neuro, body, and pediatric MR imaging will be presented by a panel of MR imaging experts and will include commentary from Lawrence N. Tanenbaum, MD. To encourage audience participation, a live Q & A session will follow the discussion.

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

• Explain the properties that distinguish Gadopiclenol injection from the other high-relaxivity and conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents.
• Describe the clinical use of Gadopiclenol injection in neuro, body, and pediatric MRI applications.
• Describe the clinical development program of Gadopiclenol injection for neuro and body MRI applications.
• Apply clinical considerations and dosing options when selecting a macrocyclic, high relaxivity, MRI contrast in vulnerable patient populations.

This program has been sponsored by Guerbet LLC.

Steven Sireci, MD

Barium-containing contrast media contain barium sulfate (BaSO₄), as well as a number of additives. The BaSO₄ provides radiodensity (ie, radio-opacity) and physical density (g/mL) to the suspension. Depending on the intended use of the contrast, the specific combination of additives provide other useful properties, including: BaSO₄ particle suspension; mucosal coating; viscosity and texture; sweetness; filling and laxative effects; preservation; foaming prevention; and flavoring. Here we describe the purpose of each ingredient and additive found in BaSO₄ contrast media products currently available for fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations. In addition, we review the role of these products in anatomic radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in evaluation of the physiology of swallowing. Finally, we review barium preparations used in computed tomography (CT) applications.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role that BaSO₄ plays in barium-containing contrast media;
• Review the purpose of each ingredient/additive found in BaSO₄ contrast media products available for fluoroscopic and radiographic examinations;
• Describe the formulation of barium products that are appropriate for single- and double-contrast anatomic radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract;
• Summarize qualities of the barium-containing contrast media used in evaluation of swallowing that make them most appropriate for that application; and,
• State the properties of barium-containing contrast media used in computed tomography (CT) applications.

This program has been supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

The complete online program has been approved for up to 2.5 ACPE and Category A ARRT continuing educational credits.

This program was supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Although power injectable peripherally inserted catheters (PICC) are deemed to be relatively safe for use with CT power injectors, there have been reports of PICC tip malposition as a result of higher flow rates and the pressure required to properly administer iodinated IV contrast during CT procedures. Any malpositioning of a PICC can pose a risk to patients, including catheter failure, thrombosis, phlebitis, arrhythmia, and pain.

In this CE accredited Expert Forum Webinar, Dr. John Schmitz, an Assistant Professor of Radiology and his colleague, Ms. Nicole Jensen, a Radiology Nurse Manager discuss an effective approach to managing PICC tip malposition following the delivery of IV contrast when using a CT power injector and a power-injectable PICC.

In addition, they will share best practices, which include obtaining a pre-injection and post-injection topogram to ensure the PICC catheter position prior to, and following the contrast injection and the value of using a rapid saline flush to reposition the catheter tip.

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

• Implement a protocol for obtaining the Power Injectable PICC tip position prior to, and following a contrast-enhanced CT
• Implement a protocol to manage a Power Injectable PICC tip malposition occurrence following power injection to minimize any risk to patients.

This program has been sponsored by Bayer Healthcare.

Catriona M. Steele, PhD, Bonnie Martin-Harris, PhD, Memorie Gosa, PhD, Stephanie Edwards Allen, BSRT, MBA

The MBSS, also known as a video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), is a barium-sulfate–enhanced fluoroscopic motion study used to evaluate anatomy and swallowing physiology si­multaneously in real time. Varibar, an FDA-approved barium sulfate product for evaluation of dysphagia, together with The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), are used to ensure standardization and reproducibility in the MBSS. This monograph explains the relationship between Varibar, the MBSImP, and the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (IDDSI) framework in evaluation of swallowing in clinical practice.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain how the modified barium swallow study (MBSS), The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), and barium sulfate products are used to evaluate dysphagia
• Describe the development of FDA-approved barium sulfate products used to assess dysphagia
• Review the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (IDDSI) framework: what it is and how it was developed
• Define the relationship between the MBSS, the MBSImP, barium sulfate, and IDDSI, and how they are used in clinical practice
• Summarize pediatric and clinical-practice considerations in performing the MBSS

This program has been supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Cheri Canon, MD, and Jayleen Grams, MD, PhD

Obesity has been linked to increases in several clinically significant comorbidities. To address these related health issues, the number of bariatric procedures is growing. This monograph describes the role Fluoroscopy plays in the evaluation of the bariatric patient including a review of the imaging protocols and their necessary findings; designed to guide clinical decisions regarding which bariatric procedure is most appropriate for the patient.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review the incidence of obesity and the role of bariatric surgery as a strategy to address it
• Explain the advantages of fluoroscopy in the evaluation of the bariatric patient
• Summarize the considerations when performing fluoroscopic evaluation of the pre- and post-operative bariatric patient
• Describe the protocols for fluoroscopic imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including single- and dual-phase esophagrams and upper GI examinations
• Detail the main challenges to performing fluoroscopy in bariatric patients
• Relate the value of communication between the radiologist and bariatric surgeon

This Program Has Been Supported Through An Unrestricted Educational Grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Therefore, and because gadopiclenlol is different than other currently available GBCAs, a review of the clinical benefits of using a higher relaxivity GBCA at a lower administered dose is important. A clear understanding of relaxivity and calculation of the volume to be administered based on dosing considerations, is necessary

In this accredited webinar, Mr. Faulkner will provide insights into the differences of the current FDA-approved GBCAs and how these differences apply to MR imaging. Following the presentation, questions from the audience were addressed during a live Q&A.

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

• Identify the properties that distinguish gadopiclenol injection from the other high relaxivity and conventional gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).
• Employ the FDA-approved indications and clinical applications for gadopiclenol injection.
• Calculate and administer the proper volume dose of gadopiclenol, as compared to other conventional GBCAs.
• Apply clinical considerations and dosing options for gadopiclenol to vulnerable patient populations who may experience repeat dosing of GBCA.

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

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.

Ryan Lee, MD, MBA • Daniel Karolyi, MD • Matthew Kuhn, MD, FACR • Mahmud Mossa-Basha, MD • Joseph Cavallo, MD, MBA

This CE accredited program will provide an educational resource that addresses current and future iodinated contrast media shortages and its clinical impact.

By bringing together a group of radiologists with expertise in CT, MRI, NM/PET, US & AI, who have experienced this crisis in their imaging departments and who have established ‘best practices and procedures’ designed to address clinical and operational alternatives in order to deliver safe and effective patient care throughout Radiology; this comprehensive program will cover the following topics:

• The operational impact of contrast media waste.
• The use of saline supporting contrast optimization with improved image quality.
• Patient safety considerations & imaging challenges when moving to alternative imaging methods.
• When and how to implement emergency protocols, based on iodinated contrast availability.
• The use of AI to provide improved outcomes without the use of contrast.

Clinical scenarios that include IV and oral contrast administration, patient management, non-contrast imaging options, and the use of Barium and other contrast media will be discussed.

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

• Identify which imaging exams may be affected by a shortage of iodinated contrast media.
• Implement emergency protocols to continue providing safe and effective patient care.
• Manage clinical challenges associated with moving from one preferred imaging modality to another (i.e., CT vs MRI vs NM vs US)
• Employ the use of AI solutions to support imaging capabilities and address patient specific imaging outcomes.

This program is made possible through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Jessica G. Zarzour, MD • Bonnie Martin-Harris, PhD • Jeanne Hill, MD

The modified barium swallow study (MBSS) is a videofluoroscopic imaging study used to evaluate oral and pharyngeal swallowing function and airway protection. The exam is typically performed by a radiologist together with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The American College of Radiology (ACR) creates and periodically updates Practice Parameters and Technical Standards for various radiologic procedures, including the MBSS. The goal of these Practice Parameters is to “promote the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology by describing specific training, skills, and techniques,” and to “narrow the variability among radiology practices and provide guidance to achieve quality in radiology.” In 2023, the ACR partnered with the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) to update the MBSS Practice Parameter. The updated ACR-SPR Practice Parameter for the Performance of the Modified Barium Swallow Study is summarized herein.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Explain how the modified barium swallow study (MBSS), The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), and barium sulfate products are used to evaluate dysphagia
• State the clinical benefits and indications for the modified barium swallow study (MBSS);
• Detail the clinical benefit of standardized, validated protocols and commercially available barium sulfate products to reduce variability of the MBSS exam;
• Describe the technical and patient considerations associated with the MBSS;
• Implement the imaging protocol for a standardized MBSS examination;
• Demonstrate opportunities for improved communication between radiologists and speech-language pathologists.

This program has been supported through an educational grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

In MR Imaging, a careful review of the safety criteria for the selection of a Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) should be considered for pediatric and neonatal patients. The program will provide a comprehensive review of the supporting research that addresses Gadolinium selection in this special patient population. Both chronic and long-term effects of GBCAs will be discussed.

As a Pediatric Neuroradiologist, Dr. Shah is uniquely qualified to share his experience which includes a discussion of risk vs benefits, supported by practical protocols for the administration of MR contrast; including limiting the amount of contrast given to patients that may receive several lifetime doses. Following the presentation, the audience is invited to join Dr. Shah for an interactive Q & A session.

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

• Explain the differences between available MR contrast agents and any associated adverse events
• Improve clinical management decisions about when to administer MR contrast (risk vs benefit)
• Apply FDA guidelines regarding MRI contrast agents to clinical practice.

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

This accredited program provides a comprehensive overview of MRI safety including the radiologist's responsibilities and liabilities, MRI staff education and patient safety. It is designed specifically for practicing radiologists, fellows, residents, and healthcare professionals who oversee MRI services and will provide practical guidance from two respected MRI safety educators who present information on accepted safety standards of care based on the 2020 ACR Manual on MR Safety, the 2021 FDA Guidance Document, and a review of the literature.

Program Considerations: It is critical to have established MRI safety protocols and to have a clear understanding of the basics of MRI Safety. The ACR Manual on MR Safety states that the Radiologist is responsible for the safety of the patient undergoing the MRI Exam. They are also responsible for implementing MR Safety policies and procedures and ensuring that the facilities’ personnel adhere to them at all time. These MRI safety policies should be reviewed and updated annually in order to prevent patient injury.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the difference between Level 1 & Level 2 MR personnel.
• Differentiate and identify the ACR-designated Safety Zones.
• Implement safety considerations for the static magnetic field, time-varying gradient magnetic fields, and radiofrequency fields.
• Employ procedures and protocols to prevent RF-related burns and methods to manage SAR levels.
• Manage acute and chronic gadolinium-based contrast agent adverse events.

Program support provided by Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

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

As technology continues to improve and redefine the instrumentation used to acquire X-rays. This CE accredited Expert Forum Webinar will focus on key innovations in digital radiography and its impact on technique selection and image quality.

Please join Matthew Hoerner, Ph.D., DAB and Gregg Cretella for a review of these innovations and how you can optimize techniques in a bucky-less DR department. Following the presentation questions from the audience were addressed in a moderated Q&A session.

Learning Objectives

• Implement techniques to optimize image quality regardless of patient size.
• Utilize optimization techniques to manage exposure and deviation index.
• Utilize the proper technique without the use of a Bucky.

Supported through an educational grant from Fujifilm Healthcare Americas Corporation

Margaret M. Fynes, MD; Christine Smith, MS; and Martin B. Brodsky, PhD, ScM

Dysphagia is a common clinical challenge, particularly in the elderly. The modified barium swallow study (MBSS), initially developed by radiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, is critically important for evaluation and treatment of dysphagia. In this article, the authors, radiologist Margaret M. Fynes, MD, and two SLPs, Christine Smith, MS, and Martin B. Brodsky, PhD, ScM, review the technical and patient considerations for optimal performance of the MBSS according to The Johns Hopkins protocol. Because both perspectives, radiologist and SLP, are included, the article is able to highlight the importance of the role of each, as well as how they work together. Elements of the MBSS that have become more standardized over time, specifically the barium sulfate contrast agent products used, and the scoring and reporting of the examination with the Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP), are described, and the contribution of this standardization to the overall accuracy and reliability of the MBSS is discussed.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review the causes and incidence of dysphagia
• Describe technical and patient considerations associated with performing a fluoroscopic modified barium swallow study (MBSS) to evaluate dysphagia
• Explain how the MBSS contributes to the evaluation and treatment of patients with dysphagia by assessing the cause of dysphagia and allowing implementation of compensatory strategies in real-time
• Explain the importance of the relationship between the radiologist and speech-language pathologist (SLP) during performance of the MBSS >
• Explain how use of a standardized series of barium sulfate contrast agent products, as well as use of the Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile (MBSImP), have contributed to standardization of the MBSS examination
• Detail the benefits of MBSS standardization on the robustness and consistency of the examination

This Program Has Been Supported Through An Unrestricted Educational Grant from Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) differ in structure and ionicity which, in turn affects their stability and safety profiles. The more stableagents are associated with a lower risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and less Gd deposition in brain, bone, and other tissues. Several patient populations are considered vulnerable to Gd exposure, including children, the elderly, the renally impaired, and those that require repeat MRI exams.

In these cases, GBCA utilization should be limited to studies where the results contribute significantly to the diagnosis and/or patient management.

In the following webinar and corresponding monograph, Lawrence N. Tanenbaum, MD, FACR and Donna Roberts, MD share case examples including MRI applications and considerations for understanding at risk adult and pediatric patient populations when performing Neuro MRI.

• Identify patient populations at increased risk of experiencing an adverse event following administration of a GBCA.
• Understand and discuss risk factors related to the use of GBCA's in specific patient populations.
• Implement alternative approaches for the clinical management of at risk patients.

Supported through an educational grant from GE Healthcare