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.

AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images
A team of biomedical engineers, radiologists and cardiologists has developed a new AI model capable of restoring low-quality cardiac MRI scans.
New AI-enabled, helium-free MRI system earns FDA clearance
The scanner requires just 0.7 liters of liquid helium for cooling—a fraction of the more than 1,500 liters standard systems need to operate safely.
Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging
Although gadopiclenol is approved for adults and children ages 2 and older, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population.
Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA
The investigational agent uses 60% less gadolinium without sacrificing image quality, according to recent clinical trial findings.
Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population
By identifying these structural changes prior to the onset of symptomatic neurodegeneration, providers may be able to initiate preventive therapies sooner.

Could a repurposed drug break a centurylong stalemate in the war on cancer?

A pharmaceutical compound approved 21 years ago to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women is showing fresh promise as a therapy for glioblastomas.

Newborn brains invigorated by mother’s active lifestyle during pregnancy

The boon comes in the form of greater brain cortical thickness observable on neonatal MRI two weeks after the baby enters the world.

New cardiac MR technique cuts scan time by more than half

Using a new 4D flow cardiac MRI scan, experts were able to complete cardiac examinations in just eight minutes.

New contrast agent receives FDA approval after competitors collaborate on development

The Sept. 21 announcement states that Gadopiclenol Injection—a highly stable macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent—is approved for use in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older during MRI exams.

New study shows long-term lung damage in children who have recovered from COVID

A new analysis published in Radiology details signs of persistent pulmonary dysfunction in children who have recovered from a COVID infection or who are experiencing symptoms of long-COVID.

Tough sledding for patients using hospital ‘transparency’ tools to obtain imaging price estimates

Notwithstanding CMS’ most-shoppable-services rule, radiology researchers find much work lies ahead “if the goal of online price estimators is for patients to use them.”

Experts describe MRI characteristics of rare breast cancer

The new paper describes the imaging characteristics of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast and correlates the findings with clinical and histopathological characteristics/diagnoses.

MRI/PSA combo cuts down on unnecessary biopsies in patients with suspected PCa

The strategy of combining the two tests improved specificity and positive predictive value in detecting clinically significant cancer compared to PSA alone.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images

New AI-enabled, helium-free MRI system earns FDA clearance

Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging

Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA

Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population