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.

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Brain enlargement may be linked to symptom severity in kids with autism spectrum disorder

Social and communication symptoms appear to be more severe in children who display brain overgrowth on MRI scans.

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MRI explosion leaves 3 injured, including 2 hospital staffers

The incident took place when a technician was “decommissioning the MRI machine,” according to local reports on the accident.

COVID-19 coronavirus mask smell

Loss of smell during COVID linked to structural, functional brain alterations

According to data shared by the CDC last year, around 34% of patients who contracted COVID between 2020 and 2023 reported losing their sense of smell. 

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Up to 25% of physically unresponsive patients are still conscious, imaging shows

The phenomenon, known as cognitive motor dissociation, might occur more often than previously believed.

Advanced imaging prompts treatment changes for nearly half of high-grade glioma patients

New research calls for greater utilization of advanced imaging in post-treatment protocols for patients with high-grade glioma.

CMR of a patient showing evidence of myocardial hypertrophy

MRI results help cardiologists predict heart failure risk

"This breakthrough suggests that heart MRI could potentially replace invasive diagnostic tests," one specialist said. 

Study calls for MRI follow-up in concussion patients

Follow-up MRI in patients with mild traumatic brain injuries could help predict if they will experience lingering symptoms months later, even if their initial imaging was normal.

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New research argues for MRI in all prostate cancer patients, even those considered low-risk

The study's findings indicate that obtaining a prostate MRI at the time of a patient's initial diagnosis may provide important insight into how cancer will progress over time.

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