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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Startup that converts MRIs into 3D assessments raises $3M from private equity, pro sports franchise

Springbok Analytics uses AI and the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to create “precise” muscle assessments. 

COVID-19 coronavirus mask smell

COVID long-haulers with loss of smell display brain connectivity impairments on MRI

Experts recently identified alterations in regions of the brain that process smell in COVID long-haulers. 

Nearly 60% of YouTube videos about MRI claustrophobia are deemed 'useless'

Nonprofessionals are responsible for nearly 75% of uploaded YouTube videos on the topic, the quality and reliability of which some experts find concerning, according to a new paper published in Cureus.

brain connections that cause epileptic seizures

Experts use MRI to identify brain pathways responsible for epileptic seizures

Patients who have these pathways disconnected record marked seizure-free periods of time in the long-term, according to new research.

Imaging required to monitor effects of new Alzheimer's drug could inhibit its uptake

Leqembi can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which must be assessed on imaging.

MRI-themed escape room University of Oxford

University creates MRI-themed escape room

The unique and immersive experience begins with visitors being met with an urgent warning that an AI "evil brain” has begun to operate independently and with hostility, threatening to put the laboratory into lockdown.

FDA issues adverse event report on MRI accident as investigations into its cause continue

The FDA's description of the event aligns with prior reports speculating that the accident involved a staff member transporting a patient to an MRI suite on a hospital bed, which was allegedly sucked into the MRI bore.

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In rare cases, maternal COVID infections can lead to serious brain injuries in neonates

Children included in the assessment displayed several concerning neurological MRI findings shortly after their birth, including acquired microcephaly, severe parenchymal atrophy and cystic encephalomalacia.