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.

MRI safety zone warning sign at entrance into an MRI imaging room at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital.

The American College of Radiology is seeking input on new MRI safety guidelines

The most recent updates contain “substantial new content and safety recommendations," the ACR reported recently. 

March 14, 2023

New neural-redundancy metric accurately detects mild cognitive impairment

Redundant brain pathways can serve as pre-symptomatic indicators of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in aging individuals, allowing care teams to design first-line neuropsychological exercises for slowing the possible approach of Alzheimer’s disease.

March 10, 2023

New scoring system predicts rupture risk for patients with arteriovenous malformations

The risk stratification system was put to the test in more than 3,000 cases and proved itself to be a beneficial tool in predicting future AVM rupture across multiple risk groups.

March 7, 2023
kid child pediatric MRI imaging

New data highlight inconsistencies in imaging protocols for pediatric appendicitis

Utilization of MRI for cases of suspected appendicitis in the pediatric population is beneficial, yet its use varies across institutions.

March 6, 2023
brain mri

Deep learning model predicts Alzheimer's using routine MRI exams

When put to the test, the new model was able to predict Alzheimer’s risk with 90.2% accuracy.

March 5, 2023

Experts develop cardiac MRI reference values for healthy adolescents

The newly developed reference values could have “direct implications for clinical practice” and can be used by any provider to determine whether an adolescent falls within the normal range of measurements for their age group.

March 3, 2023

GE HealthCare's new MRI contrast agent advances to clinical trial

Experts are hopeful that the first-of-its-kind injectable manganese-based macrocyclic agent will offer a suitable alternative to GBCAs, as it can be more efficiently eliminated from the body.

March 1, 2023

MRI findings differ significantly in boys and girls who have sustained concussions

Findings from functional MRI brain scans following concussions in pediatric patients indicate that injury recovery times may differ between sexes. 

February 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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