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.

depression and alcohol lead to impairment in functional connectivity of the brain

Combined, alcohol dependence and depression cause 'severe and extensive' brain connectivity impairment

Alcohol dependence and depression are known to affect the functional connectivity of the brain, but when the two co-occur, connectivity between certain regions is significantly worse, new MRI study shows.

May 16, 2024
gadolinium, GBCAs

One adverse reaction to a GBCA significantly increases risk of another in the future

The type of gadolinium-based agent administered could also increase the risk of reaction, a new study suggests.

May 15, 2024
surgical mask

Even two years after recovery, damage to multiple regions of the brain persists in COVID patients

On imaging some former COVID patients show significant alterations in several parts of the brain related to emotional regulation.

May 15, 2024
GE Health and MedStar Health are collaborating with the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and the Next Gen Basketball Players Union (NBGPU)

NBA partners with GE HealthCare, MedStar Health to gain imaging insights into elite athletes' health

The goal of the study is to obtain quantitative data on how daily training and competing affect players’ musculoskeletal health. The information will be used to inform training, rest and recovery periods. 

May 14, 2024

New low-field MRI small enough to plug into a standard wall outlet saves money without sacrificing safety

And with the help of deep learning techniques, it provides diagnostic quality imaging.

May 10, 2024

How beneficial is MR-directed breast ultrasound in reducing biopsies?

A team of experts determined that correlating masses initially detected on MRI are significantly more likely to result in a cancer diagnosis than other common findings. 

May 9, 2024
Prostate Cancer

Point-based risk prediction model reduces prostate biopsies by up to 20%

The model incorporates specific data from MRI exams with patient risk factors to predict whether a person is likely to develop clinically significant prostate cancer.

May 7, 2024
live MRI video of stuttering

Real-time MRI shows exact mechanisms underlying man's stutter

This development could help scientists fine-tune speech therapy to people who struggle with speaking. 

May 6, 2024

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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