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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Q Bio makes leap toward quantitative MRI with new upgrade

Quantitative MR imaging was thought to be impossible with current technology, but Tensor Field Mapping may make it a reality.

Thickening of artery wall, reduced heart function linked to HIV

HIV carries a fourfold increase in risk of sudden cardiac death, even in asymptomatic patients.

Researchers find biomarker for schizophrenic patients resistant to drug treatments

The discovery could lead to more rapid treatments for patients with schizophrenia.

Is that gin you're drinking? Nuclear MR spectroscopy may be able to tell you

Over the centuries, "gin" has become hard to define and even harder to classify due to its chemical diversity.

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UC San Diego earns $6.7M NIH grant to develop noninvasive imaging to quantify immune cells in tumors

The TAM-Sense technique is currently in pre-clinical development, but it could be used to develop new treatments.

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Cardiovascular Business
Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

Cardiovascular Business
Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

Cardiovascular Business
‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.