Overview

In this four-hour course, each session will focus on the use of advanced MR methodologies on one topic: 1) quantification of angiogenesis and permeability, 2) brain development, 3) cortical reorganization and functional connectivity and, 4) clinical trials. The current state of knowledge in clinical research of advanced MR metrics such as MR volumetry, DTI and tractography, fMRI and perfusion will be illustrated in the context of depicting underlying pathophysiology of brain development, cortical reorganization after injury, neoangiogenesis and axonal injury. It will be also illustrated how all this information can be correctly used in the contest of clinical trials. Emphasis will be on how to perform studies in the clinical environment with the cooperation of patients. Limitations and Quality Assurance (QA) procedure will be described.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
• Describe the main applications and contributions of advanced MR methodologies such as fMRI, DTI, volumetry, perfusion. etc.
  in clinical neuroscience;
• Describe the technical requirements necessary to implement robust, accurate and repeatable clinical advanced MR studies in
  patients with neurological diseases;
• List the potential contribution of the most diffuse non-conventional MR methods to formulate diagnosis, prognosis and monitor
  treatment in the neurological diseases covered in this course;
• Discuss the basic MR principles involved in the quantification of angiogenesis and permeability using perfusion MR imaging;
• Implement new quantitative MR methods that may quantify clinical relevant brain damage;
• Recognize challenges, limitations and pitfalls of performing advanced MR studies to answer clinical questions in neurological patients; and
• Implement Quality Assurance (QA) procedures necessary to run a reliable and successful advanced MRI clinic.


Audience Description

This course is designed for:
• Students in EE/BME/physics/medicine who are interested in learning when and how advanced MRI techniques may be
  used to answer clinical questions;
• Neuroscientists/engineers who are working with advanced MRI methods and are interested in learning which are the
  relevant clinical questions to address in neuroscience;
• Physicians/neuroscientists who are interested in learning more about advanced MR methods in neuroscience; and
• Physicians/neuroscientists/engineers who are planning to perform state-of-the-art advanced MRI studies in their clinical practice.