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.

A new artificial intelligence tool can detect heart disease on cardiovascular MRI scans in seconds with equal or superior precision as clinicians. 

AI tool detects CVD on cardiac MRI in 20 seconds with high precision

The algorithm is already in use at some institutions in Europe, with plans for it to be utilized globally at many more within the year.

March 16, 2022

MRI scans show COVID's 'significant' impact on the brain

Even individuals who had recovered from what would be considered a mild case of COVID displayed signs of tissue damage and reductions in gray matter and overall brain size, experts reported in Nature.

March 9, 2022
pediatrics child

Radiologists call for standardized imaging criteria for diagnosing pancreatitis in children

A recent analysis conducted on interobserver agreement when diagnosing chronic pediatric pancreatitis has raised some concerns about the need for more standardized diagnostic criteria.

March 9, 2022
Alcoholic drinks

MRIs show how even modest alcohol consumption can impact the brain

Experts analyzed more than 36,000 brain MRIs to determine how modest alcohol intake impacts brain volume and aging.

March 7, 2022
MRI

Experts unveil NS-RADS, a new MRI-powered system for classifying neuropathy

The Neuropathy Score Reporting and Data System (NS-RADS) was validated by radiologists from varying experience levels with good interrater agreement, experts reported in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

March 4, 2022

MRI features uncover differences between the brains of autistic girls and boys

Scientists believe their findings could inform the development of gender-specific diagnosis and treatment strategies for the disorder, according to research published the British Journal of Psychiatry.

February 28, 2022
The Biden administration will fight back and appeal a ruling that overturned the federal mask mandate on airlines and public transportation.

'Pandemic brain': PET/MRI images reveal how COVID's impact is felt by non-infected individuals

A new analysis in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity shows that no one is immune to the effects of the ongoing pandemic. 

February 25, 2022
Brain MRI

Deep learning model triages brain MRIs for abnormalities to prioritize reads

The deep learning model was trained to recognize abnormalities in real-time, reducing delays in image interpretation for clinically relevant findings.

February 24, 2022

Around the web

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. 

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

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