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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

There have been significant improvements over the last decade in imaging technologies used for the diagnostic evaluation of aortoiliac occlusive disease (AOD), creating a performance gap among radiologists who do not take advantage of the latest technological advancements. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has replaced catheter x-ray angiography for most evaluations, and despite the recent regulatory approval of gadofosveset for use with MRA of the AOD, radiologists continue to use unapproved extracellular contrast agents.

Gadofosveset-enhanced MRA increases spatial resolution, and reduces the rate of uninterpretable images, as well as reader variability, compared to unenhanced MRA. Radiologists need to understand the importance and clinical impact of this technology. Adoption and implementation of gadofosveset-enhanced MRA can substantially improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

This educational program will enhance radiologists' awareness of the latest technological advancements in the area of contrast agents for use with MRA. It will clarify issues surrounding their appropriate use, and provide radiologists with a keen understanding of the clinical applications for MRA evaluation of a variety of atherosclerotic diseases.

Faculty

	Carlo Catalano, MD—Chair  (read bio) Associate Professor Department of Radiological Sciences University of Rome La Sapienza Rome, Italy
	Konstantin Nikolaou, MD  (read bio) Associate Professor of Radiology Associate Chair, Department of Clinical Radiology University Hospitals Munich - Grosshadern Campus Munich, Germany
	Neil M. Rofsky, MD  (read bio) Professor of Radiology Harvard Medical School Director, MRI Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA

TARGET AUDIENCE

This program was developed for medical imaging professionals, including radiologists, radiologic technologists, medical physicists, allied scientists, and other diagnostic imaging professionals.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

This activity was designed to address the following IOM competencies: provide patient-centered care and employ evidence-based practice.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Discuss and explain the shortcomings associated with the use of unenhanced or extracellular gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the clinical diagnosis of vascular disease
2. Demonstrate improved understanding of the clinical efficacy of blood-pool contrast agents, such as gadofosveset-enhanced MRA, in the evaluation of aortoiliac occlusive disease
3. Discuss and explain future applications of blood-pool contrast-enhanced MRA

ACCREDITATION

The Potomac Center for Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

DESIGNATION STATEMENT

The Potomac Center for Medical Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

DISCLOSURE POLICY

This educational activity was developed in adherence with the policies and guidelines, including the Standards for Commercial Support, set forth by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and all other professional organizations, as applicable, stating those activities must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous.

All persons in a position to control the content of this medical education program are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. Any conflicts are identified and resolved in accordance with the Standards for Commercial Support in advance of delivery of the activity to learners. Disclosures will be made known to the participants prior to the activity.

The content of this activity was vetted by an external medical reviewer to assure objectivity and that the activity is free of commercial bias.

The faculty reported the following relevant financial relationships that they or their spouse/partner have with commercial interests:

Konstantin Nikolaou, MD—Speaker: Bayer Schering Pharmaceutical, Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Siemens Medical Solutions

Neil M. Rofsky, MD—Advisory Board: Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals; Speaker: Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals; Consultant: EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Lantheus Medical Imaging.

Carlo Catalano, MD—Nothing to Disclose.

Non-faculty content contributors and/or reviewers reported the following relevant financial relationships that they or their spouse/partner have with commercial interests:

Carole Drexel, PhD; Bradley Pine; Jay Katz; Blair St. Amand; Dana Simpler, MD: Nothing to Disclose

FDA Disclosure

The contents of some educational activities may contain discussions of non-approved or off label uses of some agents mentioned. Please consult the prescribing information for full disclosure of approved uses.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

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This program is supported through an educational grant from

 

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