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.

'Desktop' MRI brings physics education to the classroom
The tabletop scanner provides students with more hands-on opportunities to learn about the processes that drive the modality’s imaging capabilities.
MRI-first approach could allow many to safely forego prostate biopsy
New findings indicate as many as 96% of men with positive PSA labs who show insignificant or slow-growing cancer on MRI can safely forego biopsy for three or more years.
For the first time, researchers find a way to spot early signs of pancreatic cancer on routine MRI
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 44% if caught early, dropping down to 3% if it metastasizes. This is largely due to its ability to elude detection.
New MRI technology improves imaging of metallic joint replacements
The technology is so promising that it is being integrated into GE Healthcare’s MRI scanners so that providers can conduct more thorough evaluations of how these implants hold up over time.
How gaming addiction affects brain activity, according to new MRI data
Over time, the brain's reward system may become less responsive to standard rewards in individuals with gaming addiction.

Long COVID tied to microstructural changes in the brain, new MRI technique reveals

The study also unearthed a correlation between such changes and symptom-specific brain networks related to impaired cognition, sense of smell and fatigue.

November 29, 2023

Philips debuts first helium-conserving mobile MRI system of its kind at RSNA 2023

The imaging industry giant developed the mobile unit for outpatient radiology and oncology services provider Akumin Inc.

November 29, 2023

FDA clears AI-powered brain MRI software from French firm Pixyl

The product aims to reduce radiologists’ read times while bolstering the detection of certain neurological disorders.

November 21, 2023

Company launches world's first online portal for MRI safety reporting

The web-based portal aims to log all accidents and any associated remedies, bringing as much information as possible to a central location.

November 16, 2023

stroke brain dementia alzheimer's puzzle mental health

MRI the most cost-effective tool for evaluating patients presenting with dizziness in the ED

When imaging is used to exclude stroke or clarify a diagnosis for secondary prevention, MRI leads to better long-term outcomes and more cost-effective management, experts advised.

November 9, 2023

Hospital faulted after 20-week MRI delay, missing opportunity for earlier diagnosis of terminal cancer

Dunedin Hospital has since ordered an additional MRI scanner to address lagging wait times and is updating processes to better track cancer patients' progress.

November 7, 2023