The North American Society for Cardiac Imaging (NASCI) is an
international organization dedicated to the advancement of cardiovascular imaging.

Program Chairman:
Norbert M. Wilke, MD, University of Florida, USA

Co-Chairs:
Vincent B. Ho, MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, USA
Michael Poon, MD, FACC, Cabrini Medical Center, USA

Educational Objectives & Continuing Medical Education
Currently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) is becoming the preferred method to evaluate diseases affecting the heart, central vessels, and/or surrounding structures. Leaders in the field of cardiovascular MR & CT angiography will review the current status and future of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging with MR and CT. Topics include a basic review and an introduction to updates on the latest research. Pros and cons will be discussed of the clinical roles of MRI vs. CT for non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, free breathing vs. breath-hold MR imaging, the role of contrast agents in MR artery imaging, and coronary angiography vs. plaque imaging. The meeting will also provide a forum for industry to present their approaches for cardiovascular MR and CT.

Upon completion of this conference participants should be able to:

1. Review basics of MRI and CT to the study of cardiac anatomy, function and hemodynamics.
2. Recognize the clinical indications of the newer MR and CT based angiographic techniques in the evaluation of vascular diseases.
3. Review well established clinical applications of MRI and CT in the evaluation of acquired and congenital cardiothoracic disease.
4. Assess the value and limitations of the newer MRI and CT techniques in the evaluation of ischemic heart disease.
5. Explain new MR and CT techniques for imaging of the heart function and perfusion.
6. Recommend new MRI contrast agents for perfusion imaging
7. Describe concepts in MRI based on perfusion and wall motion studies.
8. Evaluate clinical utility of CT and MR for coronary artery lesion detection.
9. Describe the role of MRI for coronary plaque characterization.
10. Identify potential areas of interventional MR guided cardiac and vascular procedures.
11. Review protocol, sequencing, parameter, and post-processing issues relevant to MR/CT workstations.

CME Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of The University of Florida and the North American Society for Cardiac Imaging (NASCI). The University of Florida is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation:
The University of Florida designates this educational activity for a maximum of 23 category 1 credits toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits actually spent in the activity.

"The American Medical Association has determined that physicians not licensed in the US who participate in this CME activity are eligible for AMA PRA category 1 credit."

Disclosure:
It is the policy of the The University of Florida Office of Continuing Medical Education and the North American Society for Cardiac Imaging that all speakers and organizing committee members must disclose any financial interest or other relationship (i.e., grants, research support, consultant, honoraria, etc.) that they may have with the manufacturers, distributors or providers of any commercial products or services that may be discussed in the presentation.

Who Should Attend
Radiologists (general diagnostic imagers and other cardiovascular imagers), cardiologists, medical physicists, fellows, residents, students and post-docs, MR and CT technologists, registered nurses, industry representatives and others involved in the administrative side of cardiovascular imaging.

© 2005 NASCI.  All rights reserved.