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.

New study may give insight into the neurologic dysfunction of some long-COVID patients

Vessel wall imaging—an MRI technique that offers high resolution images of the vessel wall—may hold clues as to the mechanisms by which COVID infections continue to cause neurologic symptoms after initial recovery in some patients.

Lyme disease neuroimaging uncovers compensatory brain repair

Lyme disease patients treated for “brain fog” may develop compensatory alterations in white matter that show up on MRI and correspond—unexpectedly—with slow but sound cognitive performance.

A convicted murderer's fate could hinge on different interpretations of her brain scans

In the case of a convicted murderer, a New York neuro specialist cited a slew of neuroimaging findings that indicate “severe dysfunction” that could have numbed the defendant’s “brakes of inhibition.”

Neuroimaging recedes behind other cost compilers in stroke care

Contrary to older research that showed neuroimaging emerging as the single most dominating cost contributor in ischemic stroke care for older Americans, a new study shows treatment and other line items account for bigger slices of the bill.

MRI system advances include helium-free MRI systems (left is Philips version of this system), and compressed sensing (right, GE's version of this technology), which can greatly reduce scan times. Both technologies were mentioned in an overview by Signet Research of new tech that will be at RSNA 2022.

VIDEO: Overview of MRI market and technology trends

Bhvita Jani, research manager, Signify Research, explains some key trends and technology advances in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) market leading into the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting.

Top MRI trends include helium-free systems, compressed sensing and AI

Signify Research outlines several key technologies and trends in MRI to look for at the Radiological Society of North America 2022 meeting.

Philips running short on MRI coil disposables, FDA advising providers to consider image-guidance alternatives

In a letter to providers, the agency recommends Philips clients in the affected product category consider any of three steps to cope with the interruption.

How maternal COVID-related stress can alter fetal brain development

The preliminary results of a new study published in the medRxiv preprint server highlight variances in fetal brain development based on mothers’ perceived stress during the onset of COVID.

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