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.

Example of spectral, or dual-energy CT, confirming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

MRA vs CTA for evaluating pulmonary embolism: Does the chosen modality impact downstream imaging utilization?

MR angiography (MRA) is a relatively new alternative to CT angiography (CTA) for the evaluation of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and it even has one major advantage over CTA: it does not expose patients to ionizing radiation.

Exporting data from DXA exams directly to the EMR reduces errors, improves turnaround times

Automatically exporting bone mineral density (BMD) data from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) exams to the electronic medical record (EMR) reduces errors and improves turnaround times, according to a new study published in the Journal of Digital Imaging.

Whole-body MR angiography can identify early atherosclerosis at a population level

Whole-body MR angiography (MRA) is an effective screening tool for identifying early atherosclerosis in patients at low to intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published by Radiology.

Example of pulmonary embolism (PE) detection on CT and confirmed using spectral CT. Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

Researchers 'concerned' CT angiography topped MRA in follow-ups for pulmonary embolism

A recent study found whether a patient received MR angiography (MRA) instead of CT angiography (CTA) for a pulmonary embolism (PE) had little effect on the rate of follow-up chest CT or MRI one year later.

Novel MRI sensor allows for more sensitive imaging by tracking calcium

A novel calcium-based MRI sensor will allow for more sensitive brain imaging by tracking calcium ions to monitor deep neural activity, according to research out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Multiparametric MRI with PI-RADSv2 misses ‘considerable number’ of prostate cancer lesions, could still provide value

The combination of multiparametric MRI and the recently revised Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) misses a “considerable number” of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCA) lesions, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The authors noted, however, that the high positive predictive value (PPV) might make this method useful for imaging active surveillance (AS) patients.

Can convolutional neural networks accurately select MRI protocols?

Deep learning-based convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can help radiologists select musculoskeletal MRI protocols, according to a study published by the Journal of Digital Imaging.

Gas vesicles act as natural contrast agents, could result in 'erasable' MRIs

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology are taking steps toward erasable MRIs by using contrast agents natural to the human body—gas vesicles.

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