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.

Nearly 90 latent safety threats identified, addressed before 2 new imaging suites see first patient

When conducted inside imaging suites soon to open, simulation exercises can help identify potentially serious threats to patient safety that may not have been carefully considered when the spaces were designed.

Radiologists are overlooking signs of pancreatic cancer on imaging more and more, new study indicates

The research revealed that 7.7% of patients screened for pancreatic cancer had their tumors missed on initial imaging exams but were diagnosed with cancer between three and 18 months later.  

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Prostate cancer detection boosted with computer assistance

The addition of computer-aided diagnostic generated MRI series could help radiologists identify clinically significant prostate cancer more frequently. 

Iodine contrast being loaded into a contrast injector in preparation for a cardiac CT scan at Duly Health and Care in Lisle, Illinois. The contrast shortage is causing some healthcare organizations to postpone exams and procedures and ration contrast supplies. Photo by Dave Fornell

‘Relatively new’ contrast vendor releases second generic agent

A global tech and pharma supplier that introduced a generic equivalent to GE Healthcare’s Visipaque during the height of the 2022 contrast shortage has begun offering a substitute for Guerbet’s Dotarem.

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Prostate cancer patients who undergo surveillance MRI in lieu of yearly biopsy not at increased risk

Results of the new work indicate that risks are not exacerbated when imaging is the chosen method of surveillance up until the three-year mark, suggesting that patients can safely forego invasive biopsy for a limited period. 

Female Medical Research Scientist Working with Brain Scans

FDA approves AI analysis of high-grade gliomas

An AI startup in the neuro-oncology space has received the government’s go-ahead to market software for analyzing certain fast-growing brain tumors on MRI.

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FDA clears 2D image-reconstruction product for 3D MRI

GE Healthcare may ship its deep learning-based image reconstruction software called AIR Recon DL with new 3D capabilities, the company announced Sept. 29.

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Fetal MRI reveals how opioid use during pregnancy limits brain growth in utero

This study is one of the largest to date to assess brain growth in opioid-exposed fetuses in utero.