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.

Veterans who experience chronic pain and trauma have connectivity abnormalities on brain imaging

Though it remains unclear whether these patterns are a result of pain and trauma or if they indicate that a person is more susceptible to symptoms, authors noted that these objective measures could help personalize treatment plans.

Thumbnail

How radiology should prepare for AUC clinical decision support reporting requirements

An overview for the coming January 2023 mandate to use clinical decision support for all advanced imaging orders.

Preserving contrast media supplies: 7 ACR recommendations

With the shortage, which pertains specifically to all formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol), expected to last until mid-June, several organizations have alluded that conservation efforts are of critical importance.

Thumbnail

Connectivity abnormalities observed on MRIs of insomnia patients

The authors explained that the increased connectivity observed in those with insomnia could lead to hypersensitivity to external stimulation, which might result in a state of hyperarousal. 

Thumbnail

Radiologists should be aware of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities for patients taking Alzheimer's drug

Safety information for patients taking Aduhelm has been updated by the FDA to include the addition of two MRI scans during the first year of treatment.

A dedicated Cardiac MRI scanner. The presence of myocardial fibrosis on cardiac MRI can help anticipate adverse arrhythmic events and  may offer a way to improve patient selection for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This is a dedicated cardiac MRI system at Baylor Scott White.

Could cardiac MRI become the reference standard for diagnosing heart failure?

Cardiac MRI may offer a more accurate and less invasive method for diagnosing heart failure, a new study published in the European Heart Journal shows. 

COVID-19 vaccine associated myocarditis on short-axis 1.5T MRI images of a 19-year-old man who presented with chest pain three days following the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

New cardiac MRI analysis offers updated insight into long-term impact of vaccine-related myocarditis

Months after their initial myocarditis diagnosis, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was observed in 62% of patients on follow-up cardiac MRI.

Thumbnail

Cardiac implantable electronic devices can be safely reprogrammed to MRI-safe mode via remote operator

In 209 study participants, the remote reprogramming resulted in a successful, event-free MRI scan for every patient.

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.