Cardiovascular MRI: From Principles to Protocols

Organizers:  James F.M. Meaney, M.D., Jeanette Schulz-Menger, M.D.
Skill Level: Basic
 

Overview

This four-hour course focuses on the application of MR technologies to clinical problem solving. It will clarify the rapidly evolving MR techniques applicable to the many demanding questions posed by clinicians treating disorders of the heart and blood vessels.  Specific issues addressed include the renewed  interest in non-contrast MRA applications against a background of almost universal acceptance of contrast-enhanced techniques;  the possibility for comprehensive evaluation of the heart and pulmonary vasculature in patients with pulmonary hypertension;  resurgence of the issues of increased speed to eliminate venous enhancement in peripheral MRA in the face of recent introduction of “blood-pool” contrast agents (in Europe);  and assessment of acute and chronic coronary syndromes; and evaluation of non-ischemic heart disease.

Educational Objectives                                                                       

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
•  Clarify the current status of the many competing cutting-edge MR technologies for evaluation of the heart and blood vessels;
•  Describe a comprehensive MR protocol for evaluation of patients with pulmonary hypertension;
•  Demonstrate a robust protocol for evaluation of coronary ischaemia, and present a tailored easily Implemented method
  for determination of myocardial viability and function;
•  Compare the currently available contrast agents for first-pass imaging and describe similarities and differences between these
  agents and blood pool agents; and
•  Appraise the potential role of current and future developments in pulse-sequences, hardware and contrast agents that will
  address some of the existing limitations.

Audience Description

This course is designed for attendees who want to improve their understanding of CV diagnosis, and will be of interest to technologists, basic scientists, radiologists and cardiologists.  A basic understanding of disease processes or MR technology or both would be helpful, although the course is also suitable for those with little prior experience of CV MRI as a primer.   Most attendees will likely have some experience of either direct patient care, execution of CV protocols within the MR environment and some knowledge of the direction of CV research.  


The final five minutes of each talk will be reserved for questions.  
     
Tuesday, 22 May  
Cardiac: Coronary Artery Disease  
07:00 Assessment of Ischemia - ready for clinical routine (wall motion or adenosine  Jürg Schwitter, M.D.
first pass perfusion)   
07:20 Detection of Acute und Chronic Myocardial Infarction - only of scientific value  Matthias G. Friedrich, M.D.
07:40 Assessment of Viability (Contrast Enhancment or/and Wallmotion)  Victor A. Ferrari, M.D.
08:00 Adjournment  
     
     
Wednesday, 23 May  
Vascular. From Non-contrast to Contrast-enhanced MRA  
07:00 Current status & Theoretical limits  Stephen J. Riederer, Ph.D.
07:20 Current and novel Contrast agents for MRA  Mike V. Knopp, M.D.
07:40 Remaining clinical limitations of MRA  Stefan O. Schoenberg, M.D.
08:00 Adjournment  
     
     
Thursday, 24 May  
Cardiac: Non Ischemic Heart Disease  
07:00 Cardiomyopathies - added information applying CMR?  David A. Bluemke, M.D., Ph.D.
07:20 Inflammatory Heart Disease and Myocardial Involvement in Systemic Disorders  Sanjay Prasad, M.D.
07:40 Aquired valvular disease - space for CMR?  Andrew E. Arai, M.D.
08:00 Adjournment  
     
     
Friday, 25 May  
Vascular - Pulmonary and peripheral arteries  
07:00 Pulmonary hypertension Combined MRA, perfusion, myocardial function  Konstantin Nikolaou, M.D.
07:30 Venous contamination in peripheral MRA Increased speed, tourniquets or both Martin R. Prince, M.D., Ph.D.
08:00 Adjournment