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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political brain imaging politics

Brain anatomy differs between people with opposing political ideologies

New research indicates that conservatives have larger amygdalas than their more progressive-leaning counterparts.

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Physicians debate the ‘perils and promise’ of whole-body MRI screening

This care model has grown in popularity, with startups such as Prenuvo and Ezra charging $2,500 out of pocket to screen asymptomatic patients for cancer and other diseases

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MRI findings linked to cognitive issues in patients with long COVID 2 years post-infection

The CDC estimates that just under 7% of adults in the United States continue to struggle with symptoms of long COVID.

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MRI study reveals never-before-seen changes in the brain during pregnancy

While prior imaging studies have compared changes that occur in the brain before pregnancy and after childbirth, this latest analysis is the first to span multiple time points during the full gestational period.

Cardiac PET on the rise among U.S. cardiologists

SPECT is still the most common modality used to evaluate CAD patients, but cardiac PET is gaining more and more momentum.

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Polaris Dawn astronauts will undergo brain MRIs upon landing

The scans will be conducted earlier than any other post-flight imaging of astronauts on record. 

MRI accident prompts questions on safety

Yet another MRI 'freak accident' is making headlines months after it took place

When it happened, news of the incident did not circulate, and whether it was reported to any governing body remains unclear.

MRI image of a fetus inside the mother on an MRI scan to assess brain development. Image courtesy of RSNA.

Fetal MRI safe on 3T scanners, new analysis shows

MRI exams are crucial for investigating fetal abnormalities, but past concerns have been expressed about whether the modality could affect intrauterine growth. 

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