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.

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Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

Stroke care still lags among certain Medicare populations

Despite increases of 250% for CTA and 428% for CTP, researchers observed lower rates of neuroimaging utilization among rural residents, older individuals (80 years and above), women and Black patients.

A figure from the 2022 CAD non-invasive imaging guidelines showing a comparison of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and a SPECT-CT vs. an invasive angiogram from the cath lab showing the same blockage in a coronary artery.

New multi-society recommendations highlight role of non-invasive imaging in evaluating coronary artery disease

A new, multi-society document, "Non-Invasive Imaging in Coronary Syndromes," focuses on how multiple imaging techniques can evaluate different aspects of coronary artery disease (CAD), all without the need for invasive angiograms.

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Memory complaints associated with structural brain abnormalities and increased dementia risk

In participants who reported concern about their subjective memory, higher white matter hyperintensity volumes were observed and those individuals exhibited 174% faster cognitive decline than their peers.

Study links MRI findings with mental health disorders

Based on imaging, researchers suggested that gray matter volume could be a predictive marker of outcomes in mental health disorders, such as depression.

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New mobile low-field MRI scanner inches closer to increasing imaging access in rural communities

It takes only five minutes for the portable MRI system, "Scan-a-van," to start scanning after arriving at patients' homes.

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MRI/PET scans link brainstem atrophy to dementia symptoms

Experts suggest that their findings could help differentiate between dementia and other neurological diseases that have similar symptoms.

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Researchers use MRI scans to develop a growth chart specific to the human brain

A team of researchers have developed a new tool that benchmarks brain development and growth based on over 120,000 MRI scans.

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Even low levels of prenatal alcohol exposure affect brain development, MRI scans show

Researchers revealed the MRI findings were associated with worse externalizing behavior scores in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and are a cause of concern for pediatric brain development.

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Positron partners with Upbeat Cardiology Solutions to improve cardiac PET/CT access

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

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Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.