Attending the Radiology Bootcamp at ACR Convergence is much like doing rheumatology rounds with a radiologist.
“We have three radiologists presenting on autoinflammatory diseases,” said session coordinator Morgan Merchand, NP, University of Vermont Medical Center. “Specifically, we are covering crystalline disease, axial imaging in inflammatory diseases, and some large vessel vasculitis imaging, as we know many providers struggle to distinguish mechanical from inflammatory findings and recognizing key patterns can significantly improve work up and management.”
The bootcamp will take place from 1–3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, in Room W375A at McCormick Place in Chicago, featuring several case presentations highlighting information on how to determine what imaging to order for different patient scenarios and how new technology, updated guidelines, and other advancements are changing approaches to radiology used in the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases.
This year’s bootcamp will include discussion of the MRI technique known as black-blood sequencing and its application in vessel wall visualization in patients with vasculitis.
“Imaging for vasculitis can be challenging. In this review, we will cover what black-blood MRI is, when it is clinically useful and how to order it as resources can vary widely across institutions,” Ms. Merchand noted.
The 2025 Radiology Bootcamp lineup includes:
- Reading the Crystals: Imaging Manifestations of Crystalline Arthropathies, presented by Christopher Kanner, DO, University of Vermont;
- Imaging of Large Vessel Vasculitis: What the Rheumatologist Needs to Know, presented by Alyssa DiCosmo, MD, University of Vermont Medical Center; and
- Axial Imaging in Inflammatory Arthropathy: Distinguishing Degeneration from Disease, presented by Jonathan Pierce, MD, Cleveland Clinic.
The lectures are geared toward fellows, first-year medical students, new clinicians, physician associates, and nurse practitioners, although any member of the interprofessional team interested in learning more about radiology is encouraged to attend.
Attendees help shape the bootcamp’s focus going forward.
“The choice of topics is definitely based on participant feedback, based on what providers would like to see,” Merchand said. “So, if they want a subject, all they have to do is write in and say, ‘We’d like to see more of X.’ And then, we try and aim our subjects to what participants would like.”
Merchand recommended attendees arrive early, as the session room may fill to capacity for the Radiology Bootcamp. A recording of the two-hour program will also be available for on-demand viewing following the conclusion of ACR Convergence. An All-Access pass is required to attend the bootcamp.
Don’t Miss a Session
If you weren’t able to make it to a live session during ACR Convergence 2025 — or you want to revisit a session from the annual meeting — make plans to watch the replay. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through October 31, 2026.