| CODE | RAD5002 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Clinical Applications of MRI: CNS | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Radiography | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | MRI is the modality of choice for the examination of the brain and spinal cord. MRI is expanding and evolving rapidly in this area, especially in relation to functional imaging. This study-unit focuses on the clinical applications of MRI to the central nervous system (CNS). Advances in technology and protocol sequence design in this area which includes functional MRI such as diffusion weighted imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging and use of contrast media are discussed. The physics principles related to these image sequences are also discussed and applied. Study-unit Aims: The aim of this study-unit is to enable students to integrate theory and practice in pursuit of continued competence in MR techniques and protocols in the evaluation of the central nervous system (CNS) - brain and spinal cord. On the successful completion of this study-unit, radiographers will be able to select the appropriate sequences for the varied clinical indications and critically evaluate the MR images produced using different MRI sequences which may be applied to investigate the brain and the spine. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Analyse the type of devices required for imaging the CNS and discuss safety aspects concerning MRI biological and physical effects; - Discuss functional imaging sequences such as BOLD imaging, Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC), Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) amongst others; - Discuss diffusion as an essential physical process for the normal functioning of living systems and diffusion studies as a means of evaluating cell physiology and tissue structure途 - Explain the use of diffusion gradients in 3 directions for providing information about the mean diffusion rate in tissue途 Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI), Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) and ADC Mapping途 - Differentiate between diffusion and perfusion mismatch途 - Understand the scope of MR angiography (MRA) and contrast enhanced MR angiography (CEMRA); - Analyse the psychological and physical capabilities of patients undergoing MR examinations of the head and spine, suggesting appropriate strategies in response to their individual needs; - Critically evaluate MR images with reference to normal and abnormal pattern recognition in examinations of the head and spine; and. - Reflect on the impact of safety and legal regulations on clinical practice. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Discuss the use of various advances in MR imaging of the CNS; and - Select and optimise imaging protocols to address specific clinical questions in relation to CNS pathologies. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Grey, M. and Ailinani, J. (2012). CT and MRI pathology: A pocket atlas. 2nd ed. McGraw Hill. Yock, D. (2002) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of CNS disease: A teaching file. 2nd ed. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Claude Julien Bajada Reuben Grech Francis Zarb |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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