ISMRM25 - ISMRM-ISMRT Joint Forum

ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition • 10-15 May 2025 • Honolulu, Hawai'i

ISMRM-ISMRT Joint Forum

ISMRT Education Session

ORGANIZERS: Maila Hughes, Kathryn Keenan, Petronella Samuels, Kei Yamada

Monday, 12 May 2025

323AB

08:15 - 10:15

Moderators: Yoshitaka Bito & Maila Hughes

Session Number: M-03

CE Credit

Session Number: M-03

Overview
Revolutionizing Energy Consumption in Medical Imaging: Can AI Power a Sustainable Tomorrow? – The healthcare industry consumes a significant amount of energy, making efficiency improvements crucial for sustainability. There are numerous opportunities to enhance energy efficiency, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can contribute by improving workflow efficiency, streamlining processes, and reducing unnecessary energy use.
Additionally, optimizing imaging protocols with AI can help minimize redundant scans and lower energy consumption. The impact of AI extends beyond immediate efficiency gains, as it plays a vital role in advancing sustainable practices within healthcare facilities. Looking ahead, long-term goals focus on further integrating AI-driven solutions to reduce environmental impact and enhance overall energy management in the industry.

MRI Management in Nuclear Disasters and the Difficult Road to Recovery – On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by an unprecedented earthquake that triggered a massive tsunami that hit the Tohoku region. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, located in Fukushima Prefecture, lost power and experienced
cooling difficulties, resulting in a hydrogen explosion that forced the evacuation of all residents in the surrounding area the day after the earthquake. The hospital was no exception. The evacuation was extremely difficult with the power outage continuing, and the MRI could not be maintained, so they had no choice but to flee. Fourteen years later, some areas around the plant are still inaccessible. On the other hand, some areas are gradually recovering, but the challenges unique to nuclear disasters are making recovery difficult. In the midst of continuing prejudice against radiation, this report introduces my efforts as a radiological technologist to help rebuild the region and reduce prejudice against radiation.

Resilience in Technology and Infrastructure: Flood Mitigation Strategies and Protecting the MRI Department – Flooding poses a significant threat to critical medical equipment, including MRI scanners, which require highly controlled environments to function properly. This presentation explores effective flood mitigation strategies to safeguard MRI facilities, minimize downtime, and prevent costly damage. We will discuss risk assessment, structural and environmental protections, emergency preparedness plans, and a case study of successful flood resilience in a medical imaging centre. By understanding these strategies, healthcare facilities can enhance the longevity and reliability of their MRI systems while ensuring minimal interruptions to patient care.

Spread of Anthropogenic Gadolinium from Gd-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) into Rivers: Data and Potential Countermeasures in Japan – Anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd), originating from Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs), was widely identified in the aquatic environment with concerns about toxicity and accumulation. The water samples were collected on August 9-10, 2020, at 15 different locations of the Tone River in Japan. The Gd-anomaly ranged from 121 to 6,545% (73.2-428.5 ng/L). The Gd-anomaly increased from 851% (sampled in 1996) to 6,545%, i.e., 7.7 times, reflecting the increased use of GBCAs. It is necessary to take adequate measures before any damage occurs.

Target Audience
Radiologists, Technologists, and Physicists.

Educational Objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:
Revolutionizing Energy Consumption in Medical Imaging: Can AI Power a Sustainable Tomorrow? Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Analyze the current energy consumption landscape in medical imaging to identify key areas for improvement and optimization;
• Explore the potential of artificial intelligence to drive significant reductions in energy consumption within radiology workflows; and
• Examine the long-term sustainability benefits of integrating AI in radiology, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental impact.

MRI Management in Nuclear Disasters and the Difficult Road to Recovery –
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Understand the causes, impacts, and healthcare disruptions resulting from nuclear disasters;
• Identify operational and technical challenges in maintaining MRI systems after a nuclear disaster; and
• Learn strategies for restoring healthcare and imaging services following a nuclear disaster.

Resilience in Technology and Infrastructure: Flood Mitigation Strategies and Protecting the MRI Department
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Understand Flood Risks to MRI Facilities – Identify how flooding can impact MRI scanners, including damage to critical components, environmental control failures, and operational disruptions;
• Explore Effective Flood Mitigation Strategies – Learn about structural protections, waterproofing measures, elevated installations, and emergency preparedness plans designed to safeguard MRI equipment; and
• Apply Best Practices for Resilience Planning – Analyse a case study and develop strategies for implementing flood mitigation and disaster recovery plans in healthcare facilities to ensure continuous MRI operation.

Spread of Anthropogenic Gadolinium from Gd-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) into Rivers: Data and Potential Countermeasures in Japan –
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Identify and understand the notable anomalies in Gadolinium (Gd) concentrations observed in river water across Japan;
• Recognize the need for further research into anthropogenic Gd, including studies on its potential risks to human health and the development of effective technologies for its removal; and
• Appreciate the urgency of taking adequate countermeasures to prevent irreversible environmental pollution, drawing on lessons learned from Japan's history of pollution caused by metals such as Cu, Hg, and Cd.

08:15		Energy Consumption & Sustainability in a Medical Imaging Department Judith Hermann
08:45		MRI Disaster Management: Fukushima Nuclear Plant Accident Kousaku Saotome
09:15		Flooding in an MRI Emergency: A Florida Case Study Sonja Boiteaux
09:45		Spread of Anthropogenic Gadolinium from Gd-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) into Rivers: Data & Potential Countermeasures in Japan Samo Tsushima