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.

Less experienced radiologists benefit from deep learning models when scouting for intracranial aneurysms

Deep learning models can increase reader accuracy while simultaneously decreasing interpretation times when evaluating imaging for intracranial aneurysms.

Portable MRI found handy, useful—just not as a full-on replacement for its immovable cousin

Point-of-care MRI is a worthwhile diagnostic option for emergency departments and ICUs concerned about wait or transport times to access fixed MRI for patients with neuroimaging needs.

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Functional MRI findings could open the door for more accurate ADHD diagnosis and management

Authors of the new study suggested that their findings, once further validated in larger cohorts, could provide objective measures to diagnose ADHD and monitor treatment responses in the future. 

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New study highlights dangers of metallic fabrics in face masks, athletic clothing for MRI patients

The metallic elements in the fabrics are often missing from labels, posing thermal burn risks for MRI patients. 

Early PT for low back pain wards off advanced imaging, other pricey sources of healthcare spending

Patients who receive physical therapy for low back pain within two weeks of symptom onset pay significantly smaller healthcare bills at the 30-day and one-year marks than patients who wait longer for PT or never receive it. 

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For prostate cancer diagnostics, 7T MRI has next to nothing on ultrasound tomography

In an initial comparison study involving 10 patients with high-risk prostate cancer, ultrasound tomography (UT) soundly beat 7-Tesla multiparametric MRI on detection sensitivity, 85.7% to 65.3%.

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Hybrid multidimensional prostate MRI is 'a step in the right direction' for quantitative assessments

Using hybrid multidimensional MRI exams in lieu of multiparametric MRI for the assessment of prostate cancer could reduce interpretation times while increasing interobserver agreement. 

Ischemic stroke CT imaging. Images courtesy of RSNA

CT imaging alone found noninferior to CT/MR combo for acute ischemic stroke patients

“The value of MRI added to CT in patients such as these should not be presumed."