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.

Incomplete neurovascular imaging work-ups to blame for subsequent stroke in patients with TIA

Up to 37% of patients presenting with transient ischemic attack do not receive a full neurovascular imaging work-up, according to new data published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. 

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AI tool helps identify 'invisible' head injuries on MRIs of college athletes

The tool uses a machine learning technique to identify changes on brain MRIs that would otherwise be overlooked by radiologists due to the subtlety of alterations. 

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Important factors that influence radiology practices’ patient experience scores

Mayo Clinic researchers administered their survey to 3,636 patients who underwent outpatient MRI exams, sharing the results in JACR

mergers and acquisitions M&A puzzle

Block Imaging spinning off mobile business after announcing its acquisition by Siemens, CommonSpirit

Cube Mobile Imaging, as it’s now called, will not be involved in the transaction, instead continuing to operate as a standalone, family-owned business

osteomyelitis on MRI

Diagnosing osteomyelitis with abbreviated noncontrast MRI protocols

Using abbreviated MRI protocols for pediatric exams offers similar quality as standard protocols but decreases the need for sedation. 

FDA report details MRI accident caused by sex toy

An FDA adverse event report suggests that although the patient involved in the accident was screened for metal prior to undergoing her MRI, she did not disclose the presence of a “butt plug." 

The new MRI contrast agent gadopiclenol, sold under the trade names Elucirem and Vueway by Bracco and Guerbet, used 50% less gadolinium that current MRI agents. #RSNA22 #RSNA

New contrast agent earns positive safety classification from ACR

The ACR Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media stated that exposure to the gadolinium-based contrast agent represents a “sufficiently low or possibly nonexistent” risk to patients.

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Prenatal MRI shines light on the implications of maternal stress during pregnancy

These findings warrant serious consideration by physicians caring for pregnant women in the future, as the link between poor mental health and placental development remains “underappreciated.”