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.

background parenchyma enhancement breast MRI

MRI finding linked to heightened cancer risk among women with very dense breasts

A new AI model helped researchers identify a relationship between background parenchyma enhancement on breast MRI exams and breast cancer risk.

Use of advanced imaging skyrockets in ED, and radiologists should be ready for more

The surge in imaging utilization is independent of increased patient volumes, “suggesting that other extrinsic drivers” contributed, researchers noted.

EHR nudge helps health system drop use of unnecessary lumbar X-rays by 53%

Researchers with NYC Health + Hospitals detailed their large-scale quality improvement project in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Demand for imaging to swell after approval of new Alzheimer’s drug, GE HealthCare predicts

"We believe that this is a pretty profound growth opportunity across the space," CEO Peter Arduini told investors during a Q2 earnings call.

Incorrect CT protocol leads to radiologist overlooking liver cancer, patient’s untimely death

The physician had assigned the standard, four-phase protocol for liver imaging, but the radiographer instead performed a single, portal-venous phase only.

PROMISE trial results reinforce confidence in new MRI contrast agent

The randomized, double-blinded phase 3 study revealed gadopiclenol to be noninferior to gadobutrol for all qualitative visualization parameters as rated by all blinded readers involved in the trial.

Experts argue for the use of MRI in all first-episode psychosis patients

A new meta-analysis revealed that up to 26% of FEP patients display intracranial radiological abnormalities on MRI, some of which can alter clinical management.

Imaging vendor ViewRay files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The Denver-based company is letting go more than 100 staffers, including its CEO, interim CFO and chief legal officer.

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