SCMR Level I Course Lithuania 2025-Session 1

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript opens with the launch of a two-day cardiac MRI (CMR) course in Lusania, led by Professor Tomas Labinskas and supported by an international and local faculty. He welcomes participants, thanks sponsors, explains logistics, and introduces the course’s goal: to train clinicians in the safe and effective use of CMR.<br /><br />The first lecture, on CMR safety, covers MRI magnetic fields, screening, contrast agents, and implanted devices. It emphasizes removing all metal before scanning, preventing projectile accidents, avoiding burns, and recognizing risks from non-compatible devices. The talk also reviews gadolinium use, renal screening, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations, and the updated understanding that many patients with cardiac devices can undergo MRI safely with proper precautions.<br /><br />The next lecture explains how to assess cardiac structure and function on CMR. It reviews cardiac anatomy in standard planes, chamber morphology, valves, septum, and pericardium, then moves to functional analysis using cine imaging. It also outlines how left and right ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, stroke volume, and regional wall motion are measured and standardized.<br /><br />Professor Vanessa Ferreira then presents late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for myocardial tissue characterization. She explains the physics of contrast washout and how LGE distinguishes ischemic scar from non-ischemic injury such as myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, amyloidosis, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. She also highlights technical pitfalls, timing, inversion recovery, PSIR sequences, and the importance of correct nulling.<br /><br />Finally, Professor Sebastian Keller discusses stress CMR for ischemia testing. He explains its role in suspected coronary artery disease, especially when CT is limited by calcification or when microvascular disease is suspected. He reviews pharmacologic stress protocols, patient preparation, artifacts, safety with devices, and the cost-effectiveness and prognostic value of CMR.<br /><br />The session ends with a break and plans to continue hands-on training.

Keywords

cardiac MRI

CMR safety

MRI screening

gadolinium contrast

implanted cardiac devices

cardiac anatomy

ventricular function

late gadolinium enhancement

myocardial tissue characterization

stress CMR

ischemia testing

coronary artery disease

myocarditis