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. 

In this CME/CE accredited program Dr. Howard Rowley reviews important efficacy considerations of the FDA approved gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), including clinical utility, safety issues, and practical approaches for selecting a GBCA when considering patient history, pathology and related risks.

Following Dr. Rowley's presentation, Dr. Rowley joins a panel of MR imaging experts in discussion about this important topic, followed by a moderated Q & A session with audience participation.

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

• List the key considerations in the choice of GBCAs, while balancing safety and efficacy.
• Describe the transient effects of T1 and T2 relaxation during a GBCA bolus.
• Understand the impact of high relaxivity gadolinium agents vs macrocyclic agents.
• Design MRI protocols to optimize exam efficiency and enhanced lesion detection.
• Implement GBCA protocols for special patient populations after considering risk assessment.

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

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.

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 CME program three MR imaging experts will provide unique perspectives on managing patients with passive implants and devices. The panel will discuss important MRI safety information and details on how to safely image these patients, including a review of screening policies, implant and device manufacturers’ information and resources, and the implementation plan for a MRI safety program, designed to mitigate the potential risks to patients presenting with passive implants and devices.

Learning Objectives

• Identify challenges associated with imaging patients with passive implants on low field (<1.5-T) MR systems.
• Review MRI considerations in order to safely manage patients that present with passive implants referred for scans on low field MR systems.
• Implement protocols to safely scan patients presenting with passive implants that are not labeled for low field scanners, including 1.2-T MR systems.
• Increase the number of patients eligible for MRI exams.

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

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.

In this second of a 3 Part Series, Dr. Laurie Fajardo discusses the benefits of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer and things to consider when planning or implementing DBT into breast imaging practices.

Dr. Fajardo discusses the importance of radiation dose reduction with synthetic 2D, reviews the published literature on the performance of synthetic 2D mammography, and shares how DBT can impact data storage and network data transmission across your PACS and enterprise system.

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

• Describe the efficacy of synthetic 2D from DBT.
• Implement procedures for managing DBT data volumes and workflow.
• Develop an approach to interpreting DBT images.

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

Andrew Ong, MD; Lisa A Mullen, MD; Susan C. Harvey, MD

Pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC) is a subset of breast cancer that is typically diagnosed at more advanced stages and carries a worse prognosis. The physiological breast changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation can often make clinical and radiological evaluation difficult.

Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality in the evaluation of pregnancy associated breast lesions with high sensitivity and lack of radiation. Mammography is generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation and may also be used to assess for PABC. Dynamic contrast enhanced breast MRI is not recommended during pregnancy; however, it may safely be performed in lactating women to evaluate extent of disease or for high risk screening.

This article reviews appropriate imaging evaluation of the pregnant or lactating woman, and showcases the imaging features of benign and malignant lesions occurring during pregnancy and lactation. Many benign lesions, including fibroadenoma and lactating adenoma, can mimic malignancy. New or growing solid masses occurring during pregnancy and lactation should be further evaluated with imaging and biopsy, to avoid a delay in a potential cancer diagnosis.

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.