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.

Veterans who experience chronic pain and trauma have connectivity abnormalities on brain imaging

Though it remains unclear whether these patterns are a result of pain and trauma or if they indicate that a person is more susceptible to symptoms, authors noted that these objective measures could help personalize treatment plans.

Implantable heart stimulator conditionally cleared for MRI

The FDA has OK’d the use of MR imaging for patients implanted with an autonomic heart-stimulation device as long as the device’s labeled guidelines are followed at the imaging site.

sleeping child baby

3 indications auguring well for the future of pediatric PET/MRI

In pediatric care settings, hybrid PET/MR imaging combines “exquisite soft-tissue information obtained by MR imaging with functional information provided by PET.”

Preserving contrast media supplies: 7 ACR recommendations

With the shortage, which pertains specifically to all formulations and concentrations of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque (iohexol), expected to last until mid-June, several organizations have alluded that conservation efforts are of critical importance.

Portable MRI detects sports injuries near the point of play

Applied physicists have developed a portable MRI system that can screen young tennis players for wrist injuries in a minivan or suchlike passenger vehicle. 

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Connectivity abnormalities observed on MRIs of insomnia patients

The authors explained that the increased connectivity observed in those with insomnia could lead to hypersensitivity to external stimulation, which might result in a state of hyperarousal. 

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Radiologists should be aware of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities for patients taking Alzheimer's drug

Safety information for patients taking Aduhelm has been updated by the FDA to include the addition of two MRI scans during the first year of treatment.

A dedicated Cardiac MRI scanner. The presence of myocardial fibrosis on cardiac MRI can help anticipate adverse arrhythmic events and  may offer a way to improve patient selection for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This is a dedicated cardiac MRI system at Baylor Scott White.

Could cardiac MRI become the reference standard for diagnosing heart failure?

Cardiac MRI may offer a more accurate and less invasive method for diagnosing heart failure, a new study published in the European Heart Journal shows.