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.

Imaging shows why music makes us happy
Experts believe their findings could be significant for treating both pain and mental health disorders.
MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital
News of an incident is a stark reminder that healthcare workers and patients aren’t the only ones who need to be aware around MRI suites.
Experts may have discovered why some patients are more susceptible to GBCA-related side effects
A new study focuses on the role oxalic acid may play in the body’s ability to eliminate gadolinium after an MRI study.
Radiology groups spar over certificate-of-need application for $1.7M new MRI scanner
Diagnostic Imaging of Southbury recently asked for permission to buy a second MR system, with its first currently operating at 120% capacity.
AI tool has 'untapped potential' for diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis
The tool extracts brain region and white matter lesion volumes from any MRI of the brain, even less specialized sequences not traditionally used in the diagnosis or management of MS.

Memory complaints associated with structural brain abnormalities and increased dementia risk

In participants who reported concern about their subjective memory, higher white matter hyperintensity volumes were observed and those individuals exhibited 174% faster cognitive decline than their peers.

Study links MRI findings with mental health disorders

Based on imaging, researchers suggested that gray matter volume could be a predictive marker of outcomes in mental health disorders, such as depression.

New mobile low-field MRI scanner inches closer to increasing imaging access in rural communities

It takes only five minutes for the portable MRI system, "Scan-a-van," to start scanning after arriving at patients' homes.

Use of unnecessary neuroimaging for patients with dizziness prevalent in outpatient settings

Quality improvement efforts have sought to address such low-value diagnostic testing in the ED, with little attention paid to ambulatory settings, experts wrote in JAMA.

MRI/PET scans link brainstem atrophy to dementia symptoms

Experts suggest that their findings could help differentiate between dementia and other neurological diseases that have similar symptoms.

Researchers use MRI scans to develop a growth chart specific to the human brain

A team of researchers have developed a new tool that benchmarks brain development and growth based on over 120,000 MRI scans.

Even low levels of prenatal alcohol exposure affect brain development, MRI scans show

Researchers revealed the MRI findings were associated with worse externalizing behavior scores in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and are a cause of concern for pediatric brain development.

Vaping and smoking have opposite physiologic effects on the lungs, MRI scans show

Researchers found that tobacco exposure decreased lung perfusion, while vaping led to an increase after just one smoking session.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Imaging shows why music makes us happy

MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital

Experts may have discovered why some patients are more susceptible to GBCA-related side effects

Radiology groups spar over certificate-of-need application for $1.7M new MRI scanner

AI tool has 'untapped potential' for diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis