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.

Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population
By identifying these structural changes prior to the onset of symptomatic neurodegeneration, providers may be able to initiate preventive therapies sooner.
Appeals court weighs in on radiology providers’ battle over state certificate-of-need law
A three-judge panel heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case pitting Virginia-based Chesapeake Diagnostic Imaging Centers against Sentara Advanced Imaging Solutions.
AI prediction reduces radiologists' prostate MRI-related workloads by 20%
With prostate MRI assessments now being utilized more frequently, experts suggest AI could offer a more sustainable approach to managing growing workloads.
AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences
Artificial intelligence could serve as an effective tool for determining which patients may need additional breast MRI sequences mid-protocol.
Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show
New findings published in Biological Psychiatry provide insight into the connection between time spent outside and improvements in neurodevelopment.

Longer pelvic PET acquisition times during PET/MRI increase lymph node detection rates

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have found that longer pelvic PET acquisition times during PET/MRI can improve the quality of care for patients with rectal cancer.

How MRI, imaging contribute to the growth of depression research

Analysis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has proven difficult in a climate where more and more patients are being diagnosed with the condition. But according to research out of China, MRI and its related modalities are doing a lot to help scientists understand the pathology behind MDD.

New MRI analysis: Brain tumors prevalent in children with neurofibromatosis type 1

More children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop brain tumors than researchers previously believed, according to new research published in Neurology: Clinical Practice.

MRI coil designed for use in preclinical studies offers 3 times the resolution of commercial coils

Researchers at ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, Russia, have developed an MRI coil that can produce images with three times the resolution of a commercial volume coil, according to a study published in NMR in Biomedicine. The team designed the coil for use in preclinical studies.

Radiologists still reading more lower extremity MRIs than nonradiologists, especially on weekends

Nonradiologists such as orthopedic surgeons are interpreting a growing number of musculoskeletal imaging examinations. According to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, however, radiologists are still performing a lion’s share of the work, including a much higher percentage of weekend reads and clinically complex patients.

Researchers use deep learning to detect cartilage lesions in knee MR images

Deep learning technology can be used to evaluate MR images of the knee, according to a new study published in Radiology.

Google, Flywheel partner for 1st cloud-based MRI research center at Columbia

Research informatics company Flywheel and the Google Cloud Platform have partnered to launch the first node of a cloud-based Columbia University MR Research Center, according to a statement released this week.

North Carolina surgeon’s effort to make MRIs affordable impeded by state law

A surgeon attempting to make MRIs more affordable for North Carolina residents filed a lawsuit Monday, July 30, in the state’s Superior Court to overturn a law that’s barring him from purchasing his own MR machine, Vox has reported.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population

Appeals court weighs in on radiology providers’ battle over state certificate-of-need law

AI prediction reduces radiologists' prostate MRI-related workloads by 20%

AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences

Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show