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.

kid child pediatric MRI imaging

MRI scans could be key to managing ADHD treatment

A new brain imaging study is giving experts insight into how medication used to treat ADHD works in the brain to soften symptoms associated with the neurological disorder. 

This is your brain on smartphones: MRI study reveals altered network strength in brains of smartphone 'addicts'

The study, which was published in Brain and Behavior, found that individuals who used their smartphone excessively displayed different strengths in the prefrontal and parietal neural network.

Philips MRI

Amid looming helium shortage, Philips enters research agreement to study alternative cooling methods for MRI scanners

The healthcare industry accounts for close to 30% of global helium consumption, with MRI equipment needs accounting for a significant portion of that figure.

Dynamic lung air flow analysis just using X-ray without any contrast with new technology from 4D Medical.

PHOTO GALLERY: New technology and trends at RSNA 2022

Images from the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 annual meeting Nov. 27- Dec. 1 in Chicago. The gallery includes new technologies and a look at sights around the world's largest radiology conference. 

MRI data reveal how pandemic-related stress physically aged the brains of teens

Researchers involved in the study suggested that, until now, this sort of growth acceleration in adolescents had only been observed in children who had experienced extreme adversity, such as violence, neglect and family dysfunction. 

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Drinking alcohol while pregnant: Less than 1 drink per week can cause 'significant' changes in the brains of fetuses

A study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America is raising questions about the safety of consuming even the slightest amount of alcohol while pregnant.

Ultra-high-res MRI Reveals Migraine Brain Changes

7T MRI scans provide a high-res look at how migraines affect the brain

In a new analysis, scheduled to be presented at RSNA 2022 in Chicago, researchers have identified enlarged perivascular spaces in the brains of migraine patients. This may be suggestive of waste clearance issues in the central nervous system.

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Experts ID imaging biomarkers in kids with ADHD

The study's authors explained how MRI results can be used to help identify children with ADHD—and how these findings could be used in the AI algorithms of tomorrow. The team will be presenting its findings at RSNA 2022 in Chicago. 

Around the web

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

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.

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