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.

Poverty can change the wiring of a child's brain, MRI study suggests

New research out of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is offering new insight into how childhood struggles can affect brain development and connectivity.

June 27, 2023

molecular imaging study on brain connections in obese individuals

Obesity linked to altered brain connectivity on PET/MRI exams

New research, presented at SNMMI 2023, details how the brains of obese individuals differ from those who maintain a healthy weight.

June 27, 2023

radiology reporting EHR health record CDS AUC

Automated correlation of knee MRI, surgical findings saves radiologists’ time

Cleveland Clinic scientists believe their research findings could have “broad and far reaching” implications for the specialty.

June 27, 2023

Physician-owned hospitals charge less for imaging than their counterparts

The finding comes as lobbying groups urge Congress to repeal an ongoing moratorium on doc hospital ownership

June 26, 2023

MRI product developer raises $30M in series A financing, plus more vendor fundraising news

Other imaging-related startup companies recently raising $4.9M or more include Altis Labs, BrainTale, Leadoptik and Hypervision Surgical.

June 26, 2023

MR angiography a suitable alternative to CT when ruling out pulmonary embolus

The modality switch became especially important during the iodinated contrast shortage of 2022 when clinics were forced to deploy mitigation tactics as a means of preserving their contrast supply.

June 22, 2023