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.

Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show
New findings published in Biological Psychiatry provide insight into the connection between time spent outside and improvements in neurodevelopment.
Calcified carotid plaques more likely to rupture than previously believed, MRI findings suggest
Ruptured plaques can lead to the formation of blood clots that significantly increase the risk of stroke.
FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool
The approval will make around 1 million more patients eligible to receive the specialized contrast, which enhances the evaluation of lung ventilation.
Prenuvo reveals early findings from elective whole-body MRI clinical trial
The Redwood City, California-based radiology group has enrolled 1,011 “mostly asymptomatic” individuals who underwent whole-body MRIs as part of its “real world” Polaris study.
Study challenges use of MRI in spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage
Spontaneous ICH carries a heightened risk of mortality, making locating its origin in a timely manner critical to outcomes.

Multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative significantly improves on-time starts for cardiac MRI

Such delays can result in longer patient fasts, extended wait times, and poor synchronization of anesthesia induction, researchers detailed in JACR.

Inmate, prison guard stuck to MRI machine at unregulated site

The incident happened at a SimonMed location in Arizona after staff failed to remove a waist shackle from the inmate.

21st Century Cures Act information-blocking rule has no impact on patient complaints in radiology

That’s according to a new single-center analysis from Vanderbilt University Medical Center published in JAMA Health Forum.

‘Secret shopper’ study co-authored by Mark Cuban finds hospitals failing at imaging price transparency

“These results suggest that hospitals need to substantially improve the integration of their online pricing data with frontline staff who interact with patients," investigators wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine.

AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

After seeing 17 different doctors, boy with rare condition receives diagnosis from ChatGPT

The program landed on tethered cord syndrome, which a neurosurgeon later confirmed as the correct diagnosis.

Mayo Clinic, GE HealthCare launch strategic collaboration seeking to innovate in imaging and theranostics

Both will work in tandem to produce new research and products, aspiring to “transform the experience of patients and clinicians in the practice of radiology.”

FDA announces recall of Abbott neurostimulation devices after MRI-related issues lead to 73 injuries

The new recall, which includes more than 155,000 implantable pulse generators, is due to ongoing issues with the devices being unable to exit MRI mode and return to normal use.

Radiologists must be aware of side effects from new Alzheimer’s treatments, study warns

“As the use of monoclonal antibodies becomes more widespread, close collaboration between neurologists and radiologists is needed," one expert advised.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show

Calcified carotid plaques more likely to rupture than previously believed, MRI findings suggest

FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool

Prenuvo reveals early findings from elective whole-body MRI clinical trial

Study challenges use of MRI in spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage