MA04 - Introduction to Biomedical Imaging I (Ionizing Radiation)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Understanding the fundamental principles of Radiology.
2. Learning imaging techniques using ionizing radiation in Radiology (e.g., conventional X-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography).
3. Acquiring skills in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging techniques using ionizing radiation.
4. Training in advanced CT imaging techniques.
5. Understanding the fundamental principles of Nuclear Medicine.
6. Learning imaging techniques using ionizing radiation and radiopharmaceuticals in Nuclear Medicine (SPECT, SPECT/CT, RIA, IRMA).
7. Acquiring skills in PET/CT imaging techniques.

COURSE CONTENT

Fundamental Principles of Radiology

• Conventional radiography: X-ray imaging, dental radiography, mammography, DEXA, interventional radiology, angiography.
• X-ray attenuation coefficient and radiographic image formation techniques using contrast agents for vascular imaging.
• X-ray imaging equipment: Structure and operation of radiographic machines.
• Technical parameters in radiography: Analog vs. digital imaging, fluoroscopy, principles of fluoroscopic machine operation.
• Interventional radiology and angiography: Components of angiographic and coronary imaging systems, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), Cone Beam CT.
• Dental radiography: Intraoral and panoramic X-rays, cephalometric radiography.
• Mammography: Structure and function of mammography units, breast tomosynthesis.
• Bone densitometry systems: Morphometry, T-score, repeatability of measurements.

Fundamental Principles of Computed Tomography (CT)

• Structure and function of CT scanners.
• Image formation and reconstruction techniques: Back-projection methods, CT scanner generations.
• Data acquisition in third-generation CT scanners.
• Helical scanning vs. conventional CT scanning.
• Multi-detector CT (MDCT) systems and contrast-enhanced CT examinations.
• CT colonography and virtual endoscopy.
• Advanced CT techniques: Principles of dual-energy CT scanners, technological innovations in dual-energy CT imaging, data acquisition using Fast kV switching, image reconstruction in dual-energy CT.
• Comparison between dual-energy CT and conventional CT, radiation dose considerations in dual-energy CT.
• Dynamic CT imaging: Tissue perfusion, liver perfusion, data acquisition methods, motion correction techniques, and brain perfusion imaging.

Fundamental Principles of Nuclear Medicine

• Basic concepts of nuclear physics and terminology.
• Nuclear medicine imaging techniques: In vivo and in vitro examinations, scintigraphy procedures, γ-camera structure and function, energy spectrum of scintillation events, bone scintigraphy, and dynamic renal scintigraphy.
• Radionuclide therapies: Treatment with I-131 for thyroid cancer, administration of radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic applications.

Principles of SPECT and PET Imaging

• Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT): Fundamental principles, multi-head gamma cameras, myocardial perfusion imaging, brain perfusion imaging.
• SPECT/CT hybrid imaging systems: Advantages of SPECT/CT, bone imaging, brain imaging using SPECT/CT.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET): PET imaging procedures, system structure and operation, image formation, hybrid PET/CT imaging, PET/CT scanning protocols, and advantages of PET/CT imaging.