Radiology Continuing Education

Use of Contrast Media in the CT Department (6 CE)

All of the issues surrounding contrast media are covered in this comprehensive paper. Written by Lois Romans, this article discusses the various types of agents used (intravenous, gastrointestinal, intrathecal) and the methods in which they are administered. This is essential reading for any technologist that works, even occasionally, in the CT department. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 6 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; CRA [Operations Management, Asset Management]; Florida, Iowa. Focus: CT

Breast Cancer and F-18 FDG PET/CT (2 CE)

Second only to skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is one out of every three cancers in women. Dr. Saabry Osmany uses this article to discuss the clinical utility of F-18 FDG PET imaging in the detection, staging and restaging of breast cancer. The article also examines the use of the dual-modality imaging method of PET/CT for this diagnosis. The fused images help in the visualization of both functional and anatomical information. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 2 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: Nuclear Medicine, CT

Patient Preparation in the CT Department (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article details critical steps needed before CT examination can occur. The reader will understand the importance of obtaining an appropriate medical history when selecting an examination protocol, determine what type of consent is required before examination, and name each of the vital signs and give an approximate normal range for an adult patient. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Iowa; Florida. Focus: CT

CT in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article begins by reviewing the basic anatomy and physiology of the appendix; the origin and development of appendicitis are then explored. This background material is followed by a review of literature and outlines the role CT plays in the detection of acute appendicitis. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: CT

Radiation Exposure to Pediatric Patients from CT (1 CE)

Author Lois Romans explains the factors that have contributed to the growing concern over the radiation dose delivered to pediatric patients during a CT exam. Lois explains how various technical factors affect the CT dose and points out special considerations relevant to the use of CT for pediatric patients. The article also points out how the perception of risk may influence how a patient’s family understands the risks associated with CT. It concludes with specific strategies for reducing dose while maintaining adequate image quality. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: CT

Radiation Dosimetry in CT (1 CE)

Author Lois Romans believes it is the responsibility of each imaging professional to understand the benefit versus the risks of any procedure they perform. Armed with this knowledge technologists can maximize positive aspects of the procedure while minimizing any negative aspects. This article provides that knowledge by reviewing the basic radiation dose concepts as they relate to CT, defining commonly used terms, and explaining how dose is calculated. It outlines the effects of various technical factors on radiation dose and then concludes with a discussion of strategies for reducing dose while maintaining adequate image quality. Expires July 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; CRA [Operations Management, Asset Management]; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [CT]. Focus: CT

CT Image Quality (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article provides a basic overview of the concepts involved when evaluating CT image quality. It explains the factors that affect spatial resolution, including matrix size, pixel size, field-of-view, voxel size, slice thickness, focal spot size, blur, MTF and the Nyquist Sampling theorem. It also explains the factors that affect low-contrast resolution which include contrast scale, contrast detail curves, receiver operator characteristics, noise and dose. Expires July 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; CRA [Asset Management, Operations Management]; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [CT]. Focus: CT

CTA of Living Renal Transplantation Donors (1 CE)

Author Mark Pierce outlines the historical development of using live organs for renal transplantation. Mark explains the role of CT in the preoperative evaluation of donor nephrectomy and points out the advantages of using CT angiography over traditional imaging methods. CTA protocols are introduced as well as scanner-specific technical aspects such as pitch and Z-axis coverage. Normal renal vascular anatomy and its common variants are also covered. Expires July 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [CT] Focus: CT

A Profile of Stroke (with an Introduction to CT Perfusion) (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article provides an excellent overview of stroke. It defines categories of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and hypotensive as well as its subclassifications, which include thrombotic, embolic, lacunar, intracerebral hemorrhage, subaracnoid hemorrhage, and arterovenous malformation. The symptoms, demographics, and risk factors of stroke are discussed. The article also provides a brief overview of one imaging method used for diagnosis. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; CRA [Operations Management, Asset Management]; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [General X-ray]. Focus: Neurology

Urinary Tract Calculi (1 CE)

Written by Lois Romans, this article defines the terminology and epidemiology related to urinary tract calculi. It lists the various types of kidney stones and reviews the factors associated with their formation. It includes a description of the typical presentation of kidney stones and compares the advantages and limitation of various imaging modalities in the diagnosis of urinary tract calculi. Expires May 15, 2013. Approved for 1 Category A (Direct) credit for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa [General X-ray]. Focus: Urology, CT, US

History & Development of PET (3 CE)

In the past decade, positron emission tomography has gone from an investigative procedure available only at a select group of large research facilities to a relatively common examination. In this article Dr. Elaine Wacholtz takes the reader through the history and development of this fascinating new modality, explaining the modality in terms even a non-physicist can easily understand. Expires August 15, 2013. Approved for 3 Category A (Direct) credits for ARRT; NMTCB; Florida; Iowa. Focus: Nuclear Medicine (general science)