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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Whole-body MRI provider Function Health raises $298M, reaches $2.5B valuation

Backed by celebrities such as Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal, the Austin, Texas-based longevity firm previously expanded into imaging with the acquisition of Ezra in May. 

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MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs

Data suggest most patients in need of contrast-enhanced MR imaging would prefer lower dose alternatives. Some are willing to go well out of their way to achieve that.

Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Viato.Mobile 1.5 Tesla MRI

Siemens Healthineers issues correction for MRI systems affected by recent Class 1 recall

On Aug. 28, Siemens alerted customers about safety issues with nine different scanners from its Magnetom series of MRI offerings.

Right ventricle MRI marker independently predicts heart failure

Single MRI finding independently predicts heart failure

Experts recently have become more interested in measurements of strain as predictive markers of adverse cardiac outcomes in the general population and across several pathologies.

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New data question short-term efficacy of anti-amyloid drug

Although the drug can slow the progression of cognitive decline, it may have little impact on damage already done by AD prior to treatment.

Sports fans' emotions really are dependent on their team, MRI data suggest

MRIs uncover the science behind sports fandom

Sports fans may actually be emotionally dependent on their team’s performance on a neural level, according to functional imaging data. 

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'Breakthrough' MRI contrast design could make GBCAs safer, more effective

Researchers are hopeful their new approach to developing MRI contrast will "pave the way for safer, smarter imaging in clinical diagnostics."

Eating unsalted peanuts improves the brain's vascular health

MRIs show how peanut consumption improves the brain's vascular function

Consistently incorporating unsalted peanuts into a person’s diet enhances cerebral blood flow to multiple brain regions.