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.

RSS icon
Thumbnail

Experts identify biomarker of severe asthma on MRI

Researchers are hopeful their findings could help improve the management of severe asthma.

Teen raises money to help fund upright MRI scanner at MUSC

Teen raises millions to help fund installation of specialized MRI

A teenager in South Carolina used a challenging health experience to fuel efforts to improve accessibility for patients who need specialized imaging.

Thumbnail

MRI-based Node-RADS effectively improves staging of head and neck cancer

Use of the scoring system could offer providers valuable preoperative insight and help guide them in surgical decisions. 

MRI accident involving wheelchair prompts manufacturer to issue safety warning.

MRI accident has prompted the company that installed the scanner to issue a safety warning

The incident cost the clinic tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.

Cat eye manicure an MRI safety risk

New manicure trend could pose MRI safety risks, TikTok user warns

A recent social media post is cautioning users to pay closer attention to their manicures prior to undergoing an MRI.

Thumbnail

Sports-related concussion damage may persist long after return to play, study finds

Researchers in Toronto used MRI scans to measure the brain as it heals after injury. They found damage persists for a year after athletes are medically cleared to return to the field. 

Experts identify 'critical window' when early signs of neurodegeneration become visible on imaging

These findings may lead to new screening guidelines that could change how imaging is utilized in the aging population.

UM Health Care's 7T MRI scanner receives ACR accreditation

University of Missouri Health Care's 7T scanner joins exclusive ACR accreditation club

There are fewer than 40 of these 7T MRI scanners in North America, and MU Health Care’s is one of less than 10 to achieve ACR accreditation.

Displaying 1 - 8 of 494

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Bracco updates HeartSee coronary flow capacity software with new diagnostic features

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

Cardiovascular Business
Key trends in diagnostic heart testing: CT on the rise as some traditional techniques fall out of favor

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.

Cardiovascular Business
ASE updates recommendations for assessing right heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension

The new guidelines were designed to ensure sonographers and other members of the heart team have the information they need to screen patients when appropriate and identify early warnings signs of PH.