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.

Cats and humans with dementia experience similar brain changes, study finds
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that cats with dementia, like humans, have protein buildup in synapses that impacts cognitive function and memory.
MRI findings hold clues for treating alcohol use disorder
Researchers say their findings suggest that medications that increase prefrontal dopamine "are an important lead to pursue.”
Cook Medical hopes new iMRI division could be ‘game changer’ for interventional radiology
The Bloomington, Indiana-based vendor is betting big on MRI's use in image-guided care, touting its ability to cut radiation exposure while bolstering precision.
Prostate MRI is significantly underutilized in racial minority groups
A large study is shining a light on problematic racial disparities with respect to imaging utilization in men with suspected prostate cancer.
Including diffusion tensor imaging in return-to-play protocols improves athletes' outcomes
DTI use could enable providers to make more informed decisions about athletes’ readiness to re-enter competition.

RSNA 2018: What fMRI tells us about men with internet gaming disorder

The brains of men with internet gaming disorder (IGD) showcase issues not present in the brains of women with the same disorder, according to a study presented Nov. 28 at RSNA 2018 in Chicago.

VR application helps patients overcome MRI anxiety, claustrophobia

Researchers from the University of Michigan (UM) have developed a virtual reality (VR) smartphone application designed to help patients avoid feeling claustrophobic by replicating what happens during an MRI.

Diffusion-weighted MRI comparable, superior for differentiating between pulmonary lesion types

Diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is a similar or superior imaging modality compared to fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT (18F–FDG PET/CT), for diagnosing between malignant and benign pulmonary lesions, according to the results of a meta-analysis published in Radiology.

RSNA 2018: MRI scans reveal what football does to young athletes’ brains

Repeated blows to the head can cause changes to the brains of young football players, according to a new study presented at RSNA 2018 in Chicago.

New Zealand-based promoter mandates pre-fight MRIs for all its boxers

Just weeks after charity fighter Kain Parsons was fatally injured in a Christchurch, New Zealand, boxing ring, sports promoter Duco Events has announced it’s implementing obligatory pre-fight MRIs for all of its boxers.

NYU, Facebook release massive MRI dataset as part of ongoing AI project

The New York University (NYU) School of Medicine's department of radiology is releasing a knee MRI dataset of more than 1.5 million anonymous images as part of its ongoing collaboration with Facebook to make MRI scans 10 times faster with artificial intelligence (AI).

MRI scans using diffusion tensor imaging can predict Alzheimer's disease

MRI scans using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) show potential for predicting if a patient will develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life, according to findings to be presented at RSNA 2018 in Chicago.

AI startup Ezra secures $4M for MRI-based prostate cancer screening program

Ezra, a New York City-based artificial intelligence (AI) startup, has secured $4 million in funding for its new direct-to-consumer prostate cancer screening program.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cats and humans with dementia experience similar brain changes, study finds

MRI findings hold clues for treating alcohol use disorder

Cook Medical hopes new iMRI division could be ‘game changer’ for interventional radiology

Prostate MRI is significantly underutilized in racial minority groups

Including diffusion tensor imaging in return-to-play protocols improves athletes' outcomes