MORNING CATEGORICAL COURSE
Tissue Contrast in MSK MRI: from Physics to Physiology

Organizers: Timothy J. Mosher, M.D., Bernard Dardzinski, Ph.D.
Skill Level: Intermediate - Advanced

Tuesday 6 May, Wednesday 7 May, Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May 2008

Overview:

The dense, highly organized structure of collagen rich connective tissues has a significant effect on image contrast in musculoskeletal MRI. This course of four one-hour sessions will focus on the physical and physiological basis for tissue contrast in clinical MSK MRI and emerging contrast mechanisms of ultra-short TE and T1p MRI and their potential for clinical application.

Educational Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the physical and molecular basis for T1, T2, T1p and MT contrast as they relate to collagen-rich tissues;
  • Identify the effects of tissue anisotropy on relaxation properties;
  • Apply understanding of mechanism of image contrast in musculoskeletal MRI to clinical and translational research applications; and
  • Describe the ultra-short TE and T1p techniques and potential clinical applications.

    Audience Description:

    • This course is designed for musculoskeletal radiologists, clinical investigators using MRI in evaluation of connective tissues and basic researchers involved in application of UTE and T1p imaging.  Moderate experience in these areas and an understanding of basic MRI physics will be helpful to benefit from this course.

         
    Tuesday    
    7:00 Relaxation Mechanisms in Collagen Rich Tissues Greg J. Stanisz, Ph.D.
    7:30 Pathogenesis of Tendon Degeneration and Aging Eugene G. McNally, M.D.
    8:00 Adjournment  
         
    Wednesday    
    7:00 Tissue Anisotropy in Tendons and Cartilage Gary D. Fullerton, Ph.D.
    7:30 Structural Organization of Cartilage and the Habituation Hypothesis Douglas W. Goodwin, M.D.
    8:00 Adjournment  
         
    Thursday    
    7:00 Ultra-Short TE imaging: Techniques and Basis for Image Contrast Mark Bydder, Ph.D.
    7:30 MSK Clinical and Research Applications of UTE imaging Christine Chung, M.D.
    8:00 Adjournment  
         
    Friday    
    7:00 T1rho Imaging: Techniques and Basis for Image Contrast Ravinder Reddy, Ph.D.
    7:30 MSK Clinical and Research Applications of T1rho Imaging Sharmila Majumdar, Ph.D.
    8:00 Adjournment