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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Preop prostate MRI findings predict cancer recurrence at rates similar to pathology, analysis shows

Given the similarities in accuracy between pathology results and preoperative imaging, MRI could have a greater role in risk assessments in the future, experts suggested in AJR.

American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.” 

Lumbar MRI exam duration cut in half using deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm

And the improved scan times did not come at the expense of image quality but, instead, offered improved signal-to-noise ratio, according to a new study in Skeletal Radiology.

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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

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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.