Técnicas Avançadas de Imagiologia

Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide both a theoretical and a practical background in advanced acquisition and reconstruction methods in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. By the end of this course, the student should be familiar with: 1) common strategies for k-space sampling and corresponding image reconstruction methods; 2) available approaches for speeding up the acquisition of Magnetic Resonance images; 3) origin of common image artifacts and ways to minimize/correct for them; 4) strategies for motion sensitization and applications (flow and diffusion).

Syllabus

1. K-space trajectories (Cartesian and non-Cartesian) and corresponding reconstruction methods 2. Strategies for speeding up image acquisition a. Parallel imaging b. Multiband imaging c. Compressed Sensing 3. Minimisation and correction of image artifacts a. Subject related (motion: bulk, cardiac, respiratory; chemical shift; magnetic susceptibility) b. Hardware related (static field B0 inhomogeneity, gradient non-linearities, eddy currents) 4. Tissue-nulling techniques (fluid/fat suppression, double-inversion recovery) 6. Flow and diffusion measurement techniques

Prerequisites

Medical Imaging

Cross Competence Component

The UC allows the development of soft skills in several of the groups defined in the Relatório Comissão para as Competências Transversais, mainly in the context of the laboratory projects developed in student groups, and respective presentations and discussion (corresponding to 50% of the final grade). The highlights are the "Critical and Innovative Thinking (Problem Solving Strategies)" components, namely the "Critical Thinking", "Creativity" and "Problem Solving Strategies" components, Interpersonal Skills (group / team work and presentation of the project), Intrapersonal Skills (autonomy in the realization of the projects that promotes the self-discipline and preservation essential for meeting deadlines and obtaining results) and finally the Information and Media Literacy component that is enhanced by the bibliographic research work needed for the realization of the work itself and the corresponding discussion.

Laboratorial Component

The laboratory component consists of three 3.0-hour laboratory sessions in pre-asigned weeks. An additional component consists of one 3-hour practical class at the hospital (Imaging Department).

Programming And Computing Component

This UC has a relevant component in computing and programming mainly in the laboratory projects (50%).

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be alble to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.