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.

The American College of Radiology is seeking input on new MRI safety guidelines

The most recent updates contain “substantial new content and safety recommendations," the ACR reported recently. 

The pediatric hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite at Children's Minnesota

A first in pediatrics: Hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite

The suite enables doctors to perform brain and total spine scans mid-procedure for surgeries involving brain tumors, epilepsy, traumatic injuries, and more. 

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New neural-redundancy metric accurately detects mild cognitive impairment

Redundant brain pathways can serve as pre-symptomatic indicators of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in aging individuals, allowing care teams to design first-line neuropsychological exercises for slowing the possible approach of Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the nation’s largest mobile imaging providers gets even bigger with latest acquisition

West Fargo, North Dakota-headquartered DMS Health Technologies is acquiring the assets of Advanced Imaging Management, bolstering its MRI and ultrasound offerings.  

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New scoring system predicts rupture risk for patients with arteriovenous malformations

The risk stratification system was put to the test in more than 3,000 cases and proved itself to be a beneficial tool in predicting future AVM rupture across multiple risk groups.

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New guidelines recommend imaging asymptomatic siblings of physical abuse victims

Nearly 30 experts, including nine pediatric radiologists and seven neurorads, collaborated to create the consensus statement.

kid child pediatric MRI imaging

New data highlight inconsistencies in imaging protocols for pediatric appendicitis

Utilization of MRI for cases of suspected appendicitis in the pediatric population is beneficial, yet its use varies across institutions.

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Deep learning model predicts Alzheimer's using routine MRI exams

When put to the test, the new model was able to predict Alzheimer’s risk with 90.2% accuracy.