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.

Combined, alcohol dependence and depression cause 'severe and extensive' brain connectivity impairment
Alcohol dependence and depression are known to affect the functional connectivity of the brain, but when the two co-occur, connectivity between certain regions is significantly worse, new MRI study shows.
PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’
Medical imaging machinery uses a lot of power, and the extent to which it quickens the pace of global warming is becoming clearer.
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.
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.
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.

Common MRI findings in 'foot drop' cases

A new paper in the European Journal of Radiology offers an updated overview of common MRI findings in patients who develop foot drop following total hip arthroplasty.

February 14, 2023

New contrast agent is officially available for use in hospitals and clinics

A Feb. 14 announcement from Bracco indicates that the recently FDA-approved, gadolinium-based contrast agent VUEWAY, also known as gadopiclenol, is officially being used for patients undergoing MR imaging.

February 14, 2023

Are MR arthrograms on their way out?

Once the go-to exam for gaining intra-articular details of major joints, MR arthrography appears to be wavering in popularity, decreasing 'drastically' at some institutions.

February 13, 2023

Brain scans offer more objective judgement than jurors, study suggests

Could findings from neuroimaging replace juror verdicts in trademark infringement trials?

February 9, 2023

A Long Island, New York, man was arrested last month after a handgun he possessed fired and injured him while in an MRI room, according to a June 20 report from the LI Herald.

Lawyer accidentally shot by own gun in MRI suite dies of his injuries

On Jan. 16, lawyer Leandro Mathias de Novaes was wearing a registered firearm on his waistband while assisting his mother in the MRI suite when the scanner’s powerful magnet pulled the gun away from his body.

February 9, 2023

New imaging data offers 'positive' news for COVID long haulers

New imaging data indicates that the effects of long COVID may begin to dwindle over time, offering hope for those suffering from the long-term ramifications of the virus.

February 7, 2023

Childhood exposure to 'toxic stress,' racial disparities shows up on MRI

Childhood adversity alters regions of the brain responsible for processing threats, according to a new neuroimaging study.

February 6, 2023

Radiologist testifies on behalf of defense in murder trial

The neuroradiology specialist offered insight into the imaging findings of a 33-year-old man who is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder.

February 2, 2023

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Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

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.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans.

Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Combined, alcohol dependence and depression cause 'severe and extensive' brain connectivity impairment

PET is an energy hog, but relatively rare utilization lessens its carbon footprint. MRI and CT have no such ‘out’

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

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

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

Around the web