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.

GE HealthCare to acquire Alzheimer’s imaging AI firm Icometrix
Founded in 2011 and based in Belgium, the AI firm offers the first software for automating brain assessments needed to administer disease therapies from Biogen and Eli Lilly.
Abbreviated MRI could become standard of care for prostate cancer diagnosis
Biparametric prostate MRIs take significantly less time than multiparametric exams, as they do not include a contrast-enhanced sequence. This also makes the abbreviated exams more cost-friendly.
Iron load on imaging could signal impending cognitive decline in asymptomatic patients
Using an advanced MRI technique, experts were able to measure tissue susceptibility and detect subtle variances in iron levels throughout different regions of the brain associated with memory.
Radiologist to lead new research on blast injuries in service members
The study, which will be funded by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, will harness the power of advanced MRI technology to visualize the brain in a way that has not previously been possible.
New data challenge hype behind elective whole-body MRIs
Whole-body MRI scans may not yield the kind of early detection rates their celebrity endorsers have led many to believe.

GE HealthCare to acquire Alzheimer’s imaging AI firm Icometrix

Founded in 2011 and based in Belgium, the AI firm offers the first software for automating brain assessments needed to administer disease therapies from Biogen and Eli Lilly.

Abbreviated MRI could become standard of care for prostate cancer diagnosis

Biparametric prostate MRIs take significantly less time than multiparametric exams, as they do not include a contrast-enhanced sequence. This also makes the abbreviated exams more cost-friendly.

stroke brain dementia alzheimer's puzzle mental health

Iron load on imaging could signal impending cognitive decline in asymptomatic patients

Using an advanced MRI technique, experts were able to measure tissue susceptibility and detect subtle variances in iron levels throughout different regions of the brain associated with memory.

Radiologist to lead new research on blast injuries in service members

The study, which will be funded by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense, will harness the power of advanced MRI technology to visualize the brain in a way that has not previously been possible.

New data challenge hype behind elective whole-body MRIs

Whole-body MRI scans may not yield the kind of early detection rates their celebrity endorsers have led many to believe.

FDA changes imaging recommendations for patients taking popular Alzheimer's drug

Leqembi (lecanemab) was approved by the FDA in 2023. It is an infusion drug that has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s-related cognitive decline by up to 27%.

Prompt engineering experts' brains are wired differently

The brains of expert AI prompt engineers really are wired differently

Mastering the art of effective prompts has become a coveted skill in the fast-growing field of AI.

Chatbots offer patients more appropriate MRI explanations than experts, study shows

Chatbots may be able to accurately explain MRI results to patients in ways that radiologists are not routinely available to do.