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

VI-RADS threshold, imaging features predict bladder cancer invasiveness with nearly 100% accuracy

New findings related to Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System scores and specific MRI findings could improve the management of bladder cancer. 

FCI scanner more ably detects cancer spread than traditional MRI

New low-field scanner detects cancer spread better than traditional breast MRI

Researchers involved in its development are hopeful that the scanner could eventually lead to improved outcomes in cancer patients who require surgery to remove malignant tissue. 

David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, deputy chief, radiology enterprise service, Mass General Brigham, explains details of a recent AJR article that showed imaging outside of hospitals could potentially save billions.

Shift toward imaging outside the hospital could save billions

Harvard’s David A. Rosman, MD, MBA, explains how moving imaging outside of hospitals could save billions of dollars for U.S. healthcare.

PHOTO GALLERY: thyroid nodule imaging

This is a collection of radiology imaging showing various presentations of thyroid nodules.

Children show signs of post-COVID lung damage on MRI.

Advanced MRI shows decreased lung function in kids with persistent COVID symptoms

New research findings may help explain why children recovering from COVID-19 continue to struggle with lingering fatigue. 

How TikTok 'brain rot' impacts brain structure and function

While social media addiction has been known since the emergence of Facebook, many believe that TikTok took digital dependence to another level. 

CDI technique makes breast cancer glow on imaging.

MRI technique makes breast cancer 'glow' on imaging

The technique highlights differences in how water molecules move through cancerous tissue in comparison to healthy tissue.

White matter hyperintensities might not be a marker of TBI after all

New findings are calling into question the notion that white matter hyperintensities are biomarkers of brain injuries. 

Displaying 9 - 16 of 494

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
GE HealthCare launches new cardiac CT scanner with advanced AI capabilities

GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.

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.