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.

MRI guidance significantly reduces radiotherapy side effects compared to CT
A recent comparison of the two modalities’ utility for guiding radiation therapy for prostate cancer shows numerous benefits for MRI over CT.
Socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood linked to altered brain structure later in life, MRIs show
New MRI data highlights associations between being born into disadvantaged communities and decreased volume of multiple areas in the brain. What’s more, these findings hold true despite educational attainment and late-life income.
Deep learning reconstruction cuts prostate MRI acquisition time
And the shorter scan time does not come at the expense of image quality.
The Mediterranean diet may slow brain aging, MRI study shows
Following the Mediterranean diet, especially one rich with plant-based foods, could have significant benefits for cognitive health.
CMS to make proposed MRI safety codes official
The new code family was created to "capture the physician work involving patients with implanted medical devices that require access to MR diagnostic procedures."

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

'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

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

MRI technology that provides whole-body composition reports gets FDA greenlight

AMRA Medical's product assesses body composition by analyzing muscle and fat on magnetic resonance imaging scans, the company said in a statement.

February 23, 2022

Allergic reactions to iodinated CT contrast increase likelihood of sensitivity to GBCAs

Historically, sensitivity to iodinated contrast media was not a risk factor for adverse reactions to gadolinium-based contrast agents, experts explained this week in Radiology.

February 22, 2022

Breast MRI screening cuts cancer mortality rates in half for women with lesser-known gene mutations

Women with ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2 gene mutations would benefit from beginning MRI screenings earlier than previously recommended, experts reported in JAMA Oncology.

February 18, 2022

MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer cuts treatment side effects in half

The team originally planned to enroll 300 men in the study, but the decisive results seen among the first 100 patients prompted them to cut enrollment in half.

February 15, 2022

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Cardiovascular Business

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

Cardiovascular Business

‘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.

Cardiovascular Business

FDA clears AI tool that flags signs of heart disease in chest CT scans

The newly cleared offering, AutoChamber, was designed with opportunistic screening in mind. It can evaluate many different kinds of CT images, including those originally gathered to screen patients for lung cancer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI guidance significantly reduces radiotherapy side effects compared to CT

Socioeconomic disadvantage during childhood linked to altered brain structure later in life, MRIs show

Deep learning reconstruction cuts prostate MRI acquisition time

The Mediterranean diet may slow brain aging, MRI study shows

CMS to make proposed MRI safety codes official

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