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.

PROMISE trial results reinforce confidence in new MRI contrast agent

The randomized, double-blinded phase 3 study revealed gadopiclenol to be noninferior to gadobutrol for all qualitative visualization parameters as rated by all blinded readers involved in the trial.

July 20, 2023

Experts argue for the use of MRI in all first-episode psychosis patients

A new meta-analysis revealed that up to 26% of FEP patients display intracranial radiological abnormalities on MRI, some of which can alter clinical management.

July 19, 2023
NIST researchers improve portable MRI

Improving low-field MRI scanners with quantitative data

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are working on developing measurements that will provide better insight into soft tissue properties visualized on portable MRI images. 

July 17, 2023
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New discovery paves the way for copper's entrance into MRI contrast agents

The new discovery contradicts the notion that copper is not suitable for use in contrast media.

July 12, 2023
An international panel of experts recently developed and validated a reporting assessment scoring system that analyzes the location and extent of prostate cancer recurrence. 

Preop prostate MRI findings predict cancer recurrence at rates similar to pathology, analysis shows

Given the similarities in accuracy between pathology results and preoperative imaging, MRI could have a greater role in risk assessments in the future, experts suggested in AJR.

July 6, 2023

Lumbar MRI exam duration cut in half using deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm

And the improved scan times did not come at the expense of image quality but, instead, offered improved signal-to-noise ratio, according to a new study in Skeletal Radiology.

July 3, 2023

Poverty can change the wiring of a child's brain, MRI study suggests

New research out of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is offering new insight into how childhood struggles can affect brain development and connectivity. 

June 27, 2023
molecular imaging study on brain connections in obese individuals

Obesity linked to altered brain connectivity on PET/MRI exams

New research, presented at SNMMI 2023, details how the brains of obese individuals differ from those who maintain a healthy weight.  

June 27, 2023

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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