2026 SCMR Board Exam Review Course-Session 1: Basics of MRI

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript introduces SCMR Board Review Course 26 and explains the structure and goals of the cardiac MRI board review. The course is divided into six sessions with multiple lectures and dedicated Q&A blocks, covering the full exam scope: MRI basics, protocols, ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease, masses, valvular and congenital disease, vascular disease, and extracardiac findings.<br /><br />The speakers provide an overview of the CBCMR certification exam, including eligibility requirements, exam format, and recommended study strategies such as reviewing SCMR/APCA guidelines, mastering MRI physics, understanding common pathology patterns, and practicing image interpretation.<br /><br />A major focus of Session 1 is basic MRI physics and pulse sequences. Key concepts include MR signal generation from hydrogen protons, T1 and T2 relaxation, k-space and Fourier transformation, spatial encoding, and the role of balanced SSFP, gradient echo, spin echo, inversion recovery, phase contrast, and mapping sequences. The talks also review MRI-specific challenges such as cardiac and respiratory motion, artifact reduction, gating, breath-holding, parallel imaging, and the differences between 1.5T and 3T imaging.<br /><br />Additional lectures address fast CMR workflows, emphasizing efficient protocols, patient preparation, scanner optimization, and tailoring studies to the clinical question. MRI safety is covered in depth, including magnetic field hazards, projectiles, zones, implant labeling, gadolinium risks, RF heating, SAR, and emergency procedures. Another major topic is imaging patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices, including risk stratification, programming, monitoring, artifact reduction, and modified sequences.<br /><br />The session ends with a Q&A review that reinforces the most testable concepts and encourages use of guidelines and consensus documents for exam preparation.

Asset Caption

Chris Francois: Basic MR Physics - 20 Mins
Ibrahim El Sayed: Basic pulse sequences for MR imaging - 17 mins
Subha Raman: Principles of fast imaging - 20 mins
Rebecca Mills: MRI safety - 20 mins
Charlotte Manisty: CMR and devices - patient preparation, safety and artifacts - 23 mins
Kanae Mukai and Vimal Raj: Moderated Q&A with speakers - 45 mins

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Keywords

SCMR Board Review Course

cardiac MRI

CBCMR certification

MRI physics

pulse sequences

T1 relaxation

T2 relaxation

k-space

balanced SSFP

phase contrast

fast CMR workflows

MRI safety

gadolinium

cardiac implantable electronic devices

artifact reduction