Part 6a of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. This final section covers a recap of the previous five sessions and covers advanced imaging sequences and their application. Click here to view Part 6b, Part 6c or Part 1a. Terms covered in Part 6: Cardiac CINE Turbo Spin Echo (Fast Spin Echo) Fast spin echo vs gradient echo Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Non-cartesian trajectories (spiral) Parallel Imaging Signal attenuation Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) Diffusion tractography 3D phase contrast (PC) MR angiography Time-of-Flight (TOF) MR angiography Double Inversion Recovery Black-Blood Imaging Pulsed Arterial Spin… Read More

Carotid ultrasound is a valuable tool for measuring and tracking carotid plaque area over time. Dr. Spence outlines how 3D ultrasound methods are used to calculate plaque area, which is an important predictor of stroke, myocardial infarction and death, and to follow plaque progression or regression, which are critical treatment targets. Using this novel approach, Dr. Spence et al. have found that a change in therapeutic strategies, targeting the arteries and not LDL levels, has led to less disease progression in their test population despite a rise in mean patient age. Read More

Part 5b of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. In this section, Dr. Stafford applies the underlying physics to describe the basics of MR pulse sequences. Click here to view Part 5a , Part 5c or Part 1a. Terms covered in Part 5: NMR spectroscopy Free Induction Decay (FID) Adiabatic pulse Spoiled gradient echo imaging Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Fast-spin Echo Imaging (FSE) Parallel imaging acceleration Gibb's ringing artifact Hanning window filter Read More

Part 6b of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. This final section covers a recap of the previous five sessions and covers advanced imaging sequences and their application. Click here to view Part 6a, Part 6c or Part 1a. Terms covered in Part 6: Cardiac CINE Turbo Spin Echo (Fast Spin Echo) Fast spin echo vs gradient echo Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) Non-cartesian trajectories (spiral) Parallel Imaging Signal attenuation Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) Diffusion tractography 3D phase contrast (PC) MR angiography Time-of-Flight (TOF) MR angiography Double Inversion Recovery Black-Blood Imaging Pulsed Arterial Spin… Read More

Taking novel imaging probes from discovery in a lab setting, through full development and on to manufacturing and clinical trials is one of the goals of the MITNEC program and the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization. Dr. Valliant, the leader of the CPDC and a collaborator in MITNEC outlines each stage in this process, describing all of the steps involved. In particular, new probes in development for imaging neurologic disease are discussed. Read More

Part 5c of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. In this section, Dr. Stafford applies the underlying physics to describe the basics of MR pulse sequences. Click here to view Part 5a , Part 5b or Part 1a. Terms covered in Part 5: NMR spectroscopy Free Induction Decay (FID) Adiabatic pulse Spoiled gradient echo imaging Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Fast-spin Echo Imaging (FSE) Parallel imaging acceleration Gibb's ringing artifact Hanning window filter Read More

Part 4a of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. In this ambitious piece, Dr. Stafford introduces the complex concept of k-Space. Click here to view Part 4b or Part 1a.   Terms covered in Part 4: Fourier transform Cosine function Sine function inverse Fourier transform Sinc function Read More

Positron Emission Tomography is an invaluable and perhaps most important tool for assessing cancer in vivo. Dr. Burrell provides a quick overview of the types of imaging used in oncology, specifically describing the role of PET in each stage of the therapy cycle. A brief history of PET is given, together with the basic physics and a glance at radiopharmaceutical use in oncology. The potential role of PET from diagnosis through staging, therapy planning, post-therapy evaluation and followup is discussed and many case studies presented. Read More

Part 1b of a six part series covering the fundamentals of magnetic resonance imaging physics. In this primer, Dr. Stafford discusses the course outline and basic physics of precession and excitation. Click here to view Part 1a. Terms covered in Part 1: Bohr model of hydrogen atom Stern-Gerlach experiment Spin states Spin 1/2 particle Quantum mechanics Precession Larmor equation Frequency of precession Gyromagnetic ratio Isotropic Isochromat Stationary frame Moving frame Faraday's law Radiofrequency pulse Resonance condition Flip angle Specific absorption rate Pulse sequence Tesla Off-resonance Shim Read More