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.

Multiple sclerosis lesions detected with AI assistance

AI assistance helps rads shave 1/3 of their reporting times for MS lesions

Assessing multiple sclerosis is a time-consuming process, making reducing the burden an interest of multiple AI vendors.

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Lululemon has no place in an MRI suite, doc warns

A neurosurgeon is cautioning patients to check the material makeup of their clothes before donning them during an MRI exam.

MRI study shows how magic mushrooms affect brain connectivity in a way that allows people to temporarily escape reality

MRIs pinpoint how magic mushrooms affect brain connectivity, paving way for effective mental health therapeutics

A new MRI analysis shows how psilocybin temporarily alters the signals of the brain’s default mode network.

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Structured reporting improves outcomes for patients with placenta accreta spectrum

New data details an association between the implementation of structured templates and a reduction in patients being admitted to the intensive care unit. 

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Men at risk for prostate cancer could be forgoing necessary imaging due to climbing out-of-pocket costs

Experts are calling for insurance companies to provide full coverage for imaging and other necessary exams, if indicated by an abnormal prostate cancer screening test.

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AI tool's supplemental MRI recs help detect 4 times more breast cancers than density measures

What’s more, many of the cancers detected were invasive or multifocal, making their detection more timely. 

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MRI scans show age-specific changes in the brains of kids with ADHD

Between the ages of 8 and 12, MRI scans of children with ADHD show significantly lower cerebral blood flow in regions of the brain known to be related to attention, motor skills, executive function and impulsivity.

FDA warning alert exclamation computer

FDA issues update on MRI coil recall

In May, Philips alerted its customers to the safety concern, cautioning that its Sense XL Torso (1.5T and 3T) coils could overheat and cause patients to sustain serious burns.

Around the web

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.

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. 

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