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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Radiologists see potential to reduce GBCA administration with new synthetic MRI technique

Even though synthetic samples may not be perfect copies of original images, experts say they can act as a useful substitute for gadolinium-enhanced exams.

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Advanced MRI shows potential for assessing asymptomatic patients at risk for Alzheimer’s

Experts compared people with a genetic mutation associated with the disease and non-carriers, sharing their new insights in Radiology.

Health giant launches ‘coaching’ solution to help patients with MRI anxiety

Company officials believe the new offerings can enhance quality and lead to more sedation-free exams. 

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AI drops tracer dose required for PET/MRI by 50%, a potential ‘major’ boost for cancer care

The FDA-approved algorithm can ultimately minimize patients' risk of developing secondary cancers later in life, experts said in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.

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AI triages breast screening MRIs without missing a single cancer

The system also sent nearly 90% of dense breast scans for radiologist review due to abnormal lesions.

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Radiology provider loses court battle with competitor over certificate of need for MRI

The North Carolina Court of Appeals acknowledged a loophole in the law but said its job is to interpret statutes as they are written, not speculate about consequences.

Portable MRI specialist Hyperfine announces plans to expand overseas

The move is part of a larger commercial expansion goal to enter four additional countries within the next six months.

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Pairing faster imaging sequence with deep learning cuts shoulder MRI scan time by 67%

Exams performed using the deep learning-based reconstruction tool also maintained high image quality, experts reported recently.

Around the web

To fully leverage today's radiology IT systems, standardization is a necessity. Steve Rankin, chief strategy officer for Enlitic, explains how artificial intelligence can help.

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.

Deepak Bhatt, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and principal investigator of the TRANSFORM trial, explains an emerging technique for cardiac screening: combining coronary CT angiography with artificial intelligence for plaque analysis to create an approach similar to mammography.