MRIM 2370 Syllabus

Subject Code

MRIM

Course Number

2370

Course Title

MRI Review

Prerequisites

MRIM 2330 with a grade of C or higher

Corequisites

MRIM 2350

Terms Offered

Offered Summer

Credit Hours

(3-0-3)

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive review of patient care, imaging procedures, imaging formation, and data acquisition for the magnetic resonance imaging certification exam. Topics include anatomy, scanning protocol, MRI safety, image contrast, image formation, exam preparation, contrast  media, patient care and assessment, equipment utilization, image quality, imaging parameters, MRI fundamentals, image processing and display, and special procedures.

Course Outcomes

Anatomy

  • Identify four imaging planes used in magnetic resonance imaging.

Scanning Protocol

  • Describe patient preparation for magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Identify proper coil selection.
  • Scan patients following departmental protocol.
  • Evaluate final images for image quality and optimal demonstration of the anatomic region.
  • Print images in the appropriate format for the given exam, if necessary.
  • Send study to PACS or alternate storage media for long term storage.
  • Scan images of the brain, spine, pelvis, knee and extremities following departmental protocol.
  • Perform post-processing techniques on time-of-flight exams.

MRI Safety

  • State orthogonal landmarks for setting up procedures: brain, complete spine, upper extremities, lower extremities and body imaging.

Image Contrast

  • Identify the extrinsic contrast parameters: TR, TE, Flip Angle, TI, Turbo Factor, B value.
  • Identify the different intrinsic contrast weighting: T1, T2, ProtonDensity, T2* Decay.

Image Formation

  • State the three gradient coils and identify their function to magnetic resonance images.
  • State the difference between Signal-to-Noise and Spatial resolution.
  • Identify image differences between coarse matrix and fine matrix.
  • Identify image differences between slice thicknesses versus signal to noise resolution.
  • Explain the process of making adjustments to imaging parameters and consequences to such.

Exam Preparation

  • Prepare the MRI suite for each exam, including linen, coil selection, and any supplies necessary for completion of each exam.

Contrast Media

  • Prepare contrast media for injection.

Patient Care and Assessment

  • Verify correct patient and exam information.
  • Obtain and record patient history, including contraindications and/or previous diagnostic studies.
  • Demonstrate age appropriate communication skills to explain the MRI procedure to the patient and/or patient's family.
  • Demonstrate quality patient care throughout the procedure.
  • Explain post procedural protocol and instructions to the patient and/or patient's family.

Equipment Utilization

  • Input patient demographics and exam information into the computer console.
  • Manipulate table controls to accurately position the patient for a given exam.

Image Quality

  • Accurately window/level images for radiologist interpretation.
  • Explain the signal to noise ratio and describe the effect of adjusting imaging parameters.
  • Explain the contrast to noise ratio and describe the effect of adjusting imaging parameters.

Imaging Parameters

  • Define imaging parameters manipulated by the MRI technologist.
  • Distinguish between spin echo, fast spin echo, gradient recall echo and inversion recovery sequences.
  • Differentiate between T1, T2, T2* and PD.

MRI Fundamentals

  • Define Precession.
  • Calculate the precessional frequency using the Larmor equation.
  • Identify the slice select, phase encoding, and frequency gradients.
  • Explain all of the functions of the gradient system.

Image Processing and Display

  • Explain the methods of k-space filing and the effect on image production.
  • Discuss post-processing techniques.

Special Procedures

  • Differentiate between time-of-flight, phase contrast and contrast enhanced images.
  • Define diffusion, perfusion and spectroscopy and explain the use of each.