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.

Prenuvo MRI Sollis Health

Whole-body MRI startup Prenuvo partners with concierge emergency care provider catering to the wealthy

Sollis Health operates private emergency rooms, allowing customers to bypass hospitals to receive around-the-clock care from physicians. 

March 13, 2024
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The 5-minute MRI: AI algorithm reduces scan times by 57% while maintaining image quality

The decrease in duration allows for more examinations in the same timeframe, enhances patient comfort and reduces the chance of image distortion. 

March 12, 2024
An MRI of a fetus inside the mother. The freakish appearance of the eyes and the face are normal for MRI fetal imaging. Image courtesy of RSNA. Baby MRI, baby ultrasound

PHOTO GALLERY: What does fetal medical imaging look like?

This is a clinical photo gallery of fetal imaging that explains what all can be seen on medical imaging, how sex is determined, how measurements are used to track the development of a baby.

March 11, 2024
Dementia

Researchers develop new method for early detection of Alzheimer’s

Higher levels of amyloid protein in the blood correlate with MRI images of the brain that are consistent with dementia.

March 8, 2024

MRI anxiety worse for girls from minority backgrounds, study finds

Latina girls ages 8-13 were placed in an MRI and given an emotional processing test to measure fear response.

March 5, 2024
Kate Hanneman, MD, University Of Toronto, explains why vendors and hospitals are increasingly discussing lowing their carbon footprint by starting with radiology. 

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

March 1, 2024
A gavel and a stethoscope

SimonMed imaging centers avoided regulation, even after safety concerns

The chain of imaging centers was given a private practice exemption in Arizona, but it includes more than 60 different facilities.

March 1, 2024
A medical professional trained to manage contrast reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety, according to a an updated statement from the American College of Radiology. The ACR has released the latest edition of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, which includes 221 diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology topics with more than 1,050 clinical variants covering 2,900 clinical scenarios. #ACR #AUC #appropriateuse

ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration

A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.

March 1, 2024