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.

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One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future

The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.

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Even two years after recovery, damage to multiple regions of the brain persists in COVID patients

On imaging some former COVID patients show significant alterations in several parts of the brain related to emotional regulation.

GE Health and MedStar Health are collaborating with the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and the Next Gen Basketball Players Union (NBGPU)

NBA partners with GE HealthCare, MedStar Health to gain imaging insights into elite athletes' health

The goal of the study is to obtain quantitative data on how daily training and competing affect players’ musculoskeletal health. The information will be used to inform training, rest and recovery periods. 

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New low-field MRI small enough to plug into a standard wall outlet saves money without sacrificing safety

And with the help of deep learning techniques, it provides diagnostic quality imaging.

How beneficial is MR-directed breast ultrasound in reducing biopsies?

A team of experts determined that correlating masses initially detected on MRI are significantly more likely to result in a cancer diagnosis than other common findings. 

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Point-based risk prediction model reduces prostate biopsies by up to 20%

The model incorporates specific data from MRI exams with patient risk factors to predict whether a person is likely to develop clinically significant prostate cancer.

live MRI video of stuttering

Real-time MRI shows exact mechanisms underlying man's stutter

This development could help scientists fine-tune speech therapy to people who struggle with speaking. 

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Many MRI accidents are related to technologist experience

This week at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine’s annual meeting, a team of experts presented new data on the technologist’s role in MRI safety events.

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer. 

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