Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for soft tissues. It produces detail cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain and organs, without the use of ionizing radiation. In addition to orthopedic imaging, MRI is also used for heart, brain and breast. MRI uses gadolinium contrast in many exams to highlight tissues and blood vessels, which enhances images and offers better diagnostic quality. It can also be used in conjunction with PET scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

Could diamond dust replace gadolinium in MRI contrast agents?

An accidental discovery could have future implications for the material makeup for MRI contrast media.

April 25, 2024
The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

ChatGPT shows 'significant promise' in guiding contrast-related decisions

This could be especially helpful when timely clinical decisions relative to the use of a contrast agent need to be made.

April 23, 2024
globe

Actionable tips imaging departments can implement to reduce energy consumption

With the earth’s warmest March on record in 175 years barely in the rearview mirror, a team of radiology experts says medical imaging must step up its sustainability efforts. 

April 23, 2024
MRI safety zone warning sign at entrance into an MRI imaging room at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital.

Image Wisely rolls out new MRI safety course following slew of accidents

The course’s release follows numerous reported MRI accidents that have occurred in recent years, many that resulted in severe injury and some that were even fatal.

April 22, 2024
microstructural differences present on diffusion tensor imaging of brains of individuals with ASD

Experts spot structural differences on brain imaging of individuals with autism

New research could offer further insight into exactly what causes individuals on the spectrum to process information differently.

April 18, 2024
baseball

Good news for sports fans — MRI exams show how watching sports improves well-being

Time to dust off those foam fingers because watching sports might actually improve connectivity in certain areas of the brain, new study suggests.

April 15, 2024
scan of prostate

PET/MRI may reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies by 83%

A study out of China found most patients biopsied for prostate lesions did not have clinically significant cancer, calling the clinical ranking systems into question.

April 12, 2024
Virtual reality

ImagingU offers combo virtual reality MRI simulation, technologist certification course

Participants in the course will have six months of access to a new MRI VR sim. The class modules begin on May 1.

April 10, 2024

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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