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.

Thumbnail

Experts argue for the use of MRI in all first-episode psychosis patients

A new meta-analysis revealed that up to 26% of FEP patients display intracranial radiological abnormalities on MRI, some of which can alter clinical management.

Money bankruptcy debt liquidation

Imaging vendor ViewRay files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The Denver-based company is letting go more than 100 staffers, including its CEO, interim CFO and chief legal officer. 

NIST researchers improve portable MRI

Improving low-field MRI scanners with quantitative data

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are working on developing measurements that will provide better insight into soft tissue properties visualized on portable MRI images. 

Eyas Medical Imaging Ascent(3T)

After raising $12M, startup launches new specialized MRI unit for infants

Eyas Medical Imaging announced the first installation of its “groundbreaking” Ascent system in the NICU at Cincinnati Children’s. 

Thumbnail

New discovery paves the way for copper's entrance into MRI contrast agents

The new discovery contradicts the notion that copper is not suitable for use in contrast media.

Thumbnail

Preop prostate MRI findings predict cancer recurrence at rates similar to pathology, analysis shows

Given the similarities in accuracy between pathology results and preoperative imaging, MRI could have a greater role in risk assessments in the future, experts suggested in AJR.

American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.” 

Lumbar MRI exam duration cut in half using deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm

And the improved scan times did not come at the expense of image quality but, instead, offered improved signal-to-noise ratio, according to a new study in Skeletal Radiology.