CT and MRI Course

Lesson 1 • Image Quality Metrics in Both Modalities

Defines spatial resolution, contrast-to-noise ratio, and signal-to-noise ratio for CT and MRI. Establishes measurable quality benchmarks used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Relaxation Times T1, T2, and T2-Star

Defines longitudinal and transverse relaxation and their tissue-specific values. These parameters directly determine MRI tissue contrast and sequence selection.

Lesson 3 • Electromagnetic Spectrum and Radiation Basics

Covers ionizing vs. non-ionizing radiation, photon energy, and wave properties. Provides the physical framework needed for understanding both CT X-rays and MRI radiofrequency fields.

Lesson 4 • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Fundamentals

Introduces proton spin, precession, and resonance as the basis of MRI signal. Connects quantum mechanical concepts to practical scanner operation.

Lesson 1 • Scan Acquisition Modes

Compares axial, helical, and multi-detector CT acquisition strategies. Each mode has distinct clinical indications, speed, and coverage tradeoffs.

Lesson 2 • Scan Parameter Selection

Covers kVp, mAs, pitch, and collimation as primary acquisition controls. Correct parameter selection balances diagnostic image quality against radiation dose.

Lesson 3 • CT Image Display and Post-Processing

Introduces window/level settings, multiplanar reformats, and 3D rendering techniques. These tools transform raw axial data into clinically actionable images.

Lesson 4 • CT Reconstruction Algorithms

Explains filtered back-projection, iterative reconstruction, and deep-learning reconstruction. Algorithm choice directly affects image sharpness, noise texture, and dose efficiency.

Lesson 1 • K-Space and Image Reconstruction

Demystifies k-space as the raw data domain and explains Fourier transform reconstruction. Understanding k-space enables artifact recognition and advanced acquisition strategies.

Lesson 2 • MRI Magnet Systems and Field Strength

Compares permanent, resistive, and superconducting magnet designs and their field strengths. Field strength determines SNR, susceptibility effects, and clinical application range.

Lesson 3 • Gradient Coils and Spatial Encoding

Explains how X, Y, and Z gradient coils encode spatial position through frequency and phase. Gradient performance limits spatial resolution and minimum echo time.

Lesson 4 • MRI Safety and Magnetic Hazards

Addresses projectile risk, implant screening, RF heating, and acoustic noise hazards. Safety competency is mandatory before any clinical MRI operation.

Lesson 1 • Inversion Recovery and Fat Suppression

Explains STIR, FLAIR, and Dixon fat suppression techniques and their clinical indications. Fat and fluid suppression are essential for lesion conspicuity in musculoskeletal and neuroimaging.

Lesson 2 • Protocol Optimization and Standardization

Applies systematic optimization of SNR, scan time, and contrast for site-specific protocols. Standardized protocols ensure reproducibility across operators and scanner upgrades.

Lesson 3 • Fundamental CT Protocol Design

Covers phase selection, contrast timing, and coverage planning for standard CT protocols. Protocol design decisions directly determine diagnostic yield for each clinical indication.

Lesson 4 • Spin Echo and Gradient Echo Sequences

Contrasts SE, FSE, GRE, and SPGR sequences by mechanism, contrast, and clinical use. These are the foundational MRI sequence families from which all others derive.

Lesson 1 • ALARA Principles and Dose Optimization

Applies justification, optimization, and dose limitation principles to CT protocol design. ALARA implementation reduces population dose without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Accreditation Requirements

Summarizes dose reporting mandates, accreditation standards, and equipment testing requirements. Compliance protects patients and ensures facility accreditation status.

Lesson 3 • Radiation Dose Quantities and Metrics

Defines CTDIvol, DLP, effective dose, and size-specific dose estimates (SSDE). Accurate dose metrics are the foundation of optimization, benchmarking, and patient communication.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Dose Considerations

Addresses weight-based and age-based protocol scaling and heightened radiosensitivity in children. Pediatric CT requires dedicated protocols to minimize lifetime cancer risk.

Lesson 1 • Iodinated Contrast Agents for CT

Covers ionic vs. non-ionic agents, osmolality, viscosity, and iodine concentration. Agent selection affects patient tolerance, injection rate, and vascular enhancement quality.

Lesson 2 • Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents for MRI

Explains linear vs. macrocyclic chelate stability, T1 shortening mechanism, and dosing. Agent stability is critical for minimizing gadolinium retention and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis risk.

Lesson 3 • Adverse Reactions and Emergency Management

Classifies contrast reactions by severity and details recognition and treatment protocols. Rapid recognition and response to anaphylactoid reactions is a patient safety imperative.

Lesson 4 • Contrast Injection Techniques and Timing

Covers power injector setup, bolus tracking, and test bolus methods for optimal enhancement. Precise timing is the primary determinant of arterial, portal, and delayed phase quality.

Lesson 1 • Characterizing Lesions on MRI

Uses signal intensity on T1, T2, DWI, and post-contrast sequences for MRI lesion analysis. Multi-sequence characterization provides tissue specificity unavailable on CT alone.

Lesson 2 • Normal Anatomy on CT and MRI

Reviews cross-sectional anatomy of the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system. Confident normal recognition is prerequisite to reliable pathology detection.

Lesson 3 • Characterizing Lesions on CT

Applies density, morphology, enhancement pattern, and location to CT lesion characterization. Systematic descriptors guide differential diagnosis and management recommendations.

Lesson 4 • Common Pathological Patterns

Identifies imaging signatures of common conditions including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and liver masses. Pattern recognition accelerates diagnosis and reduces interpretive errors.

Lesson 1 • Diffusion and Perfusion MRI

Covers DWI, ADC mapping, DSC, and DCE perfusion techniques and their clinical applications. These functional sequences add physiological information beyond morphological imaging.

Lesson 2 • Functional and Quantitative MRI

Introduces BOLD fMRI, MR spectroscopy, and quantitative relaxometry as advanced tissue characterization tools. Quantitative MRI enables biomarker-driven diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Lesson 3 • MR Angiography and CT Angiography

Compares TOF, PC, and contrast-enhanced MRA with CTA for vascular assessment. Technique selection depends on vessel territory, flow characteristics, and contrast contraindications.

Lesson 4 • Artificial Intelligence in CT and MRI

Evaluates AI applications in image reconstruction, automated segmentation, and computer-aided detection. Critical appraisal of AI tools ensures appropriate clinical integration and oversight.