A Hands-on approach to Functional MRI (fMRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Perfusion Imaging (ASL, DSC, DCE), and Spectroscopy (MRS)
Location
Department of Radiology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University, Chicago IL
2019-2020 Dates
January 24-26, 2020
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Program Description
This course uses interesting lectures and powerful hands-on sessions to provide the optimal learning environment. Topics include imaging physics, functional MRI (acquisition, stimulus presentation, experiment design, data analysis, and interpretation), perfusion imaging (ASL and DSC), diffusion imaging (analysis and tractography), and MR spectroscopy. Topics will be presented through lectures, and then hands-on practical sessions will be conducted followed by hands-on data analysis sessions. With a small course size, attendees will enjoy individualized attention during the hands-on sessions. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical application for all of the methods discussed. Attendees will be given copies of the experiments and protocols used during the course to take back to their institution to provide a strong foundation for applying the recently gained knowledge.
This activity is approved for 21 hours of CE by the ASRT
Who should attend?
Any MR Technologist or Physician looking to gain practical knowledge of advanced neuroimaging methods using MRI will benefit from this course. The course assumes a working knowledge of MRI physics; however, the key concepts related to advanced imaging methods will be reviewed. The small course size will provide attendees the highest level of attention by the instructors and allow the course to be tailored to the needs of the attendee’s institutions. The fMRI experiments are designed assuming there are no stimulus presentation devices available at your local site, eliminating the need to purchase additional equipment.
Program Objectives
The attendees of the Advanced Neuroimaging workshop will have a variety of backgrounds ranging from the practicing radiologist (general or specialty background), fellows in training, and MR technical staff. Because of the varied backgrounds, the workshop will build from the nuts and bolts concepts of imaging, physiology, and data analysis to ensure that all attendees gain a full understanding of the methods and applications. The focus of this workshop is to provide classroom lectures on the fundamentals of the techniques coupled with specific laboratory experiments that enhance learning points. The attendees will actively participate and will be able to ask specific questions to focus on issues important to their site, allowing the attendee to translate the workshop experience to their clinical practice. To fully understand the entire neuroimaging process, attendees will participate in the data processing and in the interpretation of the results. In alignment with the recent RSNA objective of integrating quantitative methods in the clinical workflow, the neuroimaging workshop will emphasize the role of quantitative measures throughout the course and give examples of how to implement these measures.
- To obtain an understanding of the underlying anatomy, physiology, and physics of neuroimaging.
- To gain general knowledge of experimental design, implementation of fMRI experiments, and analysis methods used in neuroscience research studies.
- To be able to conduct a clinical functional MRI study with knowledge of the imaging physics, physiology implications, data analysis issues, and interpretation in the context of pathology.
- To differentiate between ASL and DSC perfusion methods and how each method impacts the interpretation of cerebral blood flow measures.
- To understand how diffusion and diffusion tensor measurements are made as well as the impact acquisition parameters have on derived measures and connectivity maps.
- To become familiar with the different methods of MR spectroscopy and the rich metabolic information that can be obtained and how it can be used to quantitatively monitor the patient.
- To gain an understanding of how the quantitative methods such as fMRI, DTI, perfusion, and MRS can be applied to routine clinical use.
What you take home
Attendees will have gained a strong foundation of imaging physics, physiology, anatomy and cognitive networks through lectures and hands-on labs. Copies of all the experiments and protocols will be provided so the attendees can practice at their site and train others. In addition, “normal” data will be provided to use as a reference to ensure the studies were done correctly. Most importantly, the attendee will have the confidence and understanding to apply these advanced methods upon returning home.