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.

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Scientists got mice high to study the 'munchies'

The brains of mice exposed to vaporized cannabis light up when anticipating food, new imaging research shows. 

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Private equity firm HealthEdge invests in leading provider of teleradiology services

Radsource was founded in 2001 and employs 25 fellowship-trained radiologists, handling subspecialized orthopedic and neurological MRI interpretations. 

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System that makes brain and spinal surgeries more precise cleared by FDA

With the help of a CT or MR image, the SmartFrame OR and its ClearPointer optical navigation wand together provide guidance for instrument placement during neurological procedures.

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Common factors associated with delays in filling outpatient MRI orders

Female patients and those with public insurance plans were much more likely than others to witness delays of 10 days or more, according to new research.

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Scientists developing an AI alternative to chemical-based imaging contrast agents

Case Western Reserve University recently scored a $1.125 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help fuel its work, with a focus on MRI. 
 

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FDA announces Class I recall of 150 MRI scanners due to risk of explosion

Just one explosion has been reported due to this issue, but the risk is considered severe enough to require a recall. 

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New radiology research may shed light on MLB’s record number of Tommy John surgeries

A retrospective analysis of elbow MRI exams shows young baseball players can develop lasting injuries.

'Hackers' created a fully functional MRI machine in four days

The proof of concept is available online as 3D-printable files.