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.

old woman or doctor shaking hands with patient

MRIs reveal menopausal hormone therapy's impact on the brain

It has long been believed that hormone therapy could have neuroprotective effects on the brain. However, new data suggests that this isn't the case for every woman.

ai in healthcare

AI software that boosts detection of small brain lesions gains FDA clearance

The software is a collaboration between Bracco Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Bracco Imaging, and Subtle Medical, Inc.

Commercially available AI significantly improves prostate MRI report consistency

By reducing report variability, the software could help decrease unnecessary biopsies in patients with questionable lesions.

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Bilingual people have more efficient brains, imaging study shows

Researchers examined the brains of bilingual and monolingual people using fMRI, only to find improved communication between isolated regions in those who learn a second language at a young age.

long covid brainstem damage

Ultra-high field MRI implicates long COVID in brainstem damage

Researchers have used 7T MRI to demonstrate that former COVID-19 inpatients are susceptible to persistent brainstem abnormalities associated with long-haul COVID symptoms.

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Outdated manuals pose MRI safety risks for patients with medical implants

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

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GPT-4 as accurate as neurologists in predicting final diagnosis based on MRI reports

The large language model can also outperform other human providers, radiologists included, new study shows.

Novel imaging technique could be used to tailor glioblastoma treatment

It allows providers to quantify changes in tumor size throughout patients’ treatment in real-time, providing early indications of efficacy and enabling adjustments as needed.

Around the web

These risks appear to be present regardless of a person's age or health at the time of infection.

Agfa and Sectra both performed well with end-user satisfaction scores in the 2025 Best in KLAS list of radiology IT systems.

Smaller health systems are increasingly moving into this realm. Tim Kearns, director of marketing and healthcare IT, Konica Minolta Imaging USA, explains the implications.