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.

COVID-19 medical imaging examples of various clinical presentations. SARS-CoV-2 clinical imaging presentations.

PHOTO GALLERY: What does COVID-19 look like on medical imaging?

This image gallery shows what the various clinical presentations associated with the COVID-19 virus that have been documented during the coronavirus pandemic.

August 9, 2022

'Father of MRI' dies at 86

The science community lost a man who pioneered one of medical imaging’s most important developments when Raymond Vahan Damadian passed away August 3.

August 8, 2022

Blog_Header_1200x628_Fellowship (12)_0.png

Less experienced radiologists benefit from deep learning models when scouting for intracranial aneurysms

Deep learning models can increase reader accuracy while simultaneously decreasing interpretation times when evaluating imaging for intracranial aneurysms.

August 8, 2022

Functional MRI findings could open the door for more accurate ADHD diagnosis and management

Authors of the new study suggested that their findings, once further validated in larger cohorts, could provide objective measures to diagnose ADHD and monitor treatment responses in the future.

August 4, 2022

New study highlights dangers of metallic fabrics in face masks, athletic clothing for MRI patients

The metallic elements in the fabrics are often missing from labels, posing thermal burn risks for MRI patients.

August 4, 2022

Hybrid multidimensional prostate MRI is 'a step in the right direction' for quantitative assessments

Using hybrid multidimensional MRI exams in lieu of multiparametric MRI for the assessment of prostate cancer could reduce interpretation times while increasing interobserver agreement.

July 26, 2022

Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

CT imaging alone found noninferior to CT/MR combo for acute ischemic stroke patients

“The value of MRI added to CT in patients such as these should not be presumed."

July 22, 2022

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

Cardiac MRI findings linked with worse outcomes in hypertension patients

Nonischemic LGE was revealed to be independently associated with worse outcomes in hypertension patients.

July 21, 2022

Around the web

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