SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING – HYBRID IMAGING TECHNIQUES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
• produce the best possible image quality and implement low dose CT protocols
• understand the applications of image processing in the imaging of blood vessels, intestine, etc.
• cooperate with the physician who performs interventional procedures
• implement protocols for dynamic imaging of solid organs, brain etc.
• understand the applications of quantitative computed tomography
• understand the rationale behind tissue contrast protocols and imaging levels
• become familiar with the anatomical image at multiple levels on specific MRI
applications
• become familiar with pathological images resulting from these techniques

Aim of the course: The aim of the course is to promote and expand the knowledge and skills of the students in imaging with Computed Tomography and MRI by presenting the specialized applications of the methods and analyzing the additional knowledge required by the radiologic technologist. Scanning parameters, vascular imaging techniques, heart imaging, bowel imaging, dynamic and quantitative imaging, dual energy imaging, radiotherapy plan design, 3D preoperative planning, interventional techniques with computed tomography guidance are analyzed. Another aim of the course is to promote the understanding of how to configure imaging sequences in order to reduce technical errors and optimize the image produced.
Course objective:
The student to be able to formulate special examinations by understanding the reasons that lead to specific choices

SYLLABUS

1. Developments in computed tomography systems (CT over 64 series of detectors, dual source CT, electron beam CT, C-arm imaging technique with flat panel detector)
2. Analysis of the scan and reconstruction parameters and how they affect the image quality (noise, contrast, spatial resolution) so that the diagnostic image is produced with the lowest possible dose
3. Special image processing techniques (3D, MPR, etc.) and virtual computed tomography
4. Illustration of vessels (arteries, veins), heart, coronary arteries, image processing
5. Imaging of the small and large intestine and dynamic (perfusion) imaging of solid organs and brain
6. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) techniques – dual energy imaging
7. Computed tomography-guided interventions (biopsies, drainage and local tumor treatment (radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, microwave application, alcohol infusion and radiotherapy plan design)
8. Special issues of radiation protection in multislice computed tomography Magnetic angiography of the CNS
9. Spectroscopy, functional MRI, diffusion – perfusion sequences in the CNS
10. Multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging
11. Special examinations of the musculoskeletal system
12. Magnetic enteroclysis-enterography, magnetic cholangiopancreatography, Magnetic urography and Magnetic angiography of the body
13. Cardiovascular imaging – examination timing applications (triggering – ECG or pulse gating – respiratory compensation)
14. Hybrid Techniques (PET-CT, PET-MRI, MRI-US etc)