Part B

Imaging Procedures

Clinical Applications, Enhancement Agents, Cross-Sectional Anatomy

Introduction

Although imaging protocols vary with facility, there are a number of aspects of clinical imaging that are universal. Despite slight procedural variations, the fundamental components are basically the same, including T1-weighted images (usually acquired to evaluate anatomy) and T2-weighted images (usually acquired for pathology). Also, when small anatomy is to be imaged, high-resolution imaging is required [small field of view (FOV), thin slice thickness, and/or high imaging matrix]. Such fundamental parameters are of importance to most practicing technologists.

MRI procedure questions make up roughly 30% of the examination.

Part B offers review questions that pertain to cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, clinical imaging (including parameters and options, coil selection, positioning, and landmark), and contrast enhancement (dose, administration, effects on the image).

MRI of the Head and Neck

Although protocols vary from site to site, there are general protocols that are used for brain imaging in MRI. A typical brain protocol includes: three-plane localizer (or scout), sagittal T1WI, axial T2WI, axial FLAIR imaging, and diffusion imaging. If the patient is imaged for “specialized” imaging of the head [such as the internal auditory canals (IACs) or pituitary], high resolution would be acquired for the visualization of smaller structures associated with the pituitary gland and/or within the IACs.

Questions 1–137 concern the head and neck.

MRI of the Spine

MRI spine protocols vary from site to site, but there are general protocols that are used for spine imaging in MRI. A typical spine protocol includes: three-plane localizer (or scout), sagittal T1WI (high resolution), sagittal T2WI (high resolution), axial T1 and T2*, and 3D gradient echo imaging. If the patient is imaged for “specialized” imaging of the spine, contrast-enhanced imaging would be acquired for the visualization of enhancing lesions and/or the postoperative lumbar spine.

Questions 138–194 concern the spine.

MRI of the Thorax

MRI thorax (chest, heart, vasculature, and breast) protocols vary from site to site, but there are general protocols that are used for thorax imaging in MRI. A typical thorax protocol includes: three-plane localizer (or scout), coronal T1WI (high resolution), axial T1 and T2, and 3D gradient echo imaging (with contrast enhancement for vasculature and breast lesions).

Questions 195–285 concern the thorax.

MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis

MRI abdomen protocols vary from site to site, but there are general protocols that are used for abdomen imaging in MRI. A typical abdomen protocol includes: three-plane localizer (or scout), coronal T1WI or T2W axial T2WI, and axial T1W gradient echo imaging acquired in-phase and out-of-phase. Additional abdominal imaging includes 3D gradient echo imaging (with contrast enhancement for visceral and/or vasculature lesions). Most abdominal imaging is acquired with breath-hold rapid imaging and/or respiratory triggering techniques to reduce the motion artifact caused by breathing.

Questions 286–435 concern the anatomy and imaging procedures for visceral structures, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenals, stomach, and bowel.

MRI of the Musculoskeletal System

MRI musculoskeletal protocols vary from site to site, but there are general protocols that are used for musculoskeletal imaging in MRI. A typical musculoskeletal protocol includes: three-plane localizer (or scout) and three planes (sagittal, axial, coronal – to the plane of the joint acquired with oblique imaging) acquired with both T1 and T2 contrast. Also, most facilities will acquire a STIR sequence in the plane that best demonstrates the anatomy and/or pathology of interest.

Questions 436–596 concern the anatomy and imaging procedures for musculoskeletal structures, including the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot.

Part B: Questions

MRI of the Head and Neck