MR Imaging of Sarcomas with Dr. Shechtel, MD

Zone 3 Podcast

Video Link --> https://youtu.be/hgnq4zy1ivE

Zone3Podcast and the gang happy to be joined by Dr. Joanna Shechtel, MD. Dr Shechtel earned her medical degree from Georgetown University. She completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at University of Tennessee - Knoxville, where she served as Chief Resident, and a fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). In 2021, Dr. Shechtel joined VUMC faculty as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology in the Musculoskeletal Radiology section. She is a member of the Radiological Society of North America, American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology, Tennessee Medical Association and Nashville Academy of Medicine. Dr. Shechtel's clinical interests include MRI safety, quality improvement and resident education.

Dr. Shechtel main area of expertise is sarcomas as it pertains to MSK Diagnostic Imaging. Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the bones and soft tissues, including fat, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, deep skin tissues and fibrous tissues. There are many risk factors for sarcomas. History of radiation therapy, genetic predisposition and chemical exposure. Imaging properties include size, adjacent tissue differences, infiltrating and contrast enhancement.

She was first introduced to the importance of MRI safety by Dr. Peter Petruzzi, MRMD during her residency. She credits Dr. Shellock for her choice to later become a board member of ABMRS.

Many factors to consider for sarcoma imaging. coils, image planes, patient positioning, FOV, phase direction, technique, sequence selection etc. Dr. Shechtel doesn’t have a preference in field strength if imaging quality isn’t compromised. Duplicating a prior study is also a consideration and should be the goal absent of contraindication. High resolution imaging is her preference over small FOV imaging if forced to decide between the two. She stresses the importance of Surgeon preference consideration with joint-to-joint imaging. Prothesis may be in that patient’s course of care. Large FOV imaging allows for pre-op measurements as well as visualization of skip lesions.

We always love it when our guests come prepared with helpful visual aids. Dr. Shechtel brings imaging examples which help illustrate her case in point. It was a joy spending with someone of Dr. Shechtel’s caliber.