RAD5107 - Hybrid and molecular imaging - 2018

This extends knowledge of the basic physical principles of molecular imaging and introduces the methodologies that underpin the advancements in hybrid imaging.

The unit will introduce the student to the current state-of-the-art in multi-modal 3-D volumetric imaging.

This imaging paradigm will be contextualised with respect to the different combinations of the individual imaging modalities and protocols which are combined to form hybrid images.

The CT, MRI, Ultrasound, SPECT and PET modalities will be discussed in detail, with particular attention paid to the technological advancements that have facilitated the development of fully-hybrid scanning geometries.

The techniques for processing and visualising 3-D images will be critically analysed.

The unit will describe the physical and mathematical principles related to image registration, segmentation and partitioning.

Aspects relating to patient positioning and monitoring for image enhancement and registration will also be discussed.

The unit will conclude with an examination of the application of quality assurance and quality control principles to the various modality combinations that constitute hybrid imaging.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Critically evaluate how the different combinations of the individual imaging protocols within hybrid imaging can be utilised to enhance disease diagnosis. The protocols of particular relevance include CT, MRI, Ultrasound, SPECT and PET.
2. Differentiate between hybrid and multi-modal imaging and explain the challenges that arise in trying to align images both temporally and spatially.
3. Explain the physical and mathematical principles of image registration, segmentation and partitioning.
4. Identify and implement the appropriate multi-modal protocols to combine anatomical and functional imaging modalities for cardiovascular and oncological conditions within an evidence based framework.
5. Accurately apply the principles of quality assurance and quality control to hybrid imaging.

• Open book applied image processing tasks (15%)
• Open book medical imaging, multimodality & hybrid imaging tasks (30%)
• Evidence based clinical application review (2,000 words) (35%)
• Hybrid imaging quality assurance report (1,000 words) (20%)

Off-campus: 6 hours per week of direct engagement in the learning materials and 6 hours of self-directed study for 12 weeks.

See also Unit timetable information

CT radiography

Medical ultrasound