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.

Misuse of public imaging data is producing 'overly optimistic' results in machine learning research

"This research aims to raise a red flag regarding naive off-label usage of open-access data in the development of machine-learning algorithms," experts involved in the study said.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the knee predicts pediatric bone growth

Current bone age-based methods of growth prediction in children are inaccurate and frequently overestimate final height, experts explained in Radiology.

New MRI technique 'lights up' prostate cancer

Scientists involved in the study believe the innovative technology has exciting potential to improve screening, prognosis and treatment, according to research published in Scientific Reports.

Study charts uptick in unnecessary CT, MR imaging surveillance of noninvasive bladder cancer

The impact of these patterns is substantial and may have negative consequences for patients and the healthcare system, experts wrote in JAMA Network Open.

Is MRI a suitable alternative to CT for testicular cancer surveillance? Research offers insight

CT surveillance is the standard of care for postoperatively monitoring testicular cancer, but when patients must undergo scans every few months after surgery, accumulative radiation exposure becomes a concern.

Size matters when it comes to neuroimaging studies

New research published in Nature indicates that the results of many neuroimaging studies lack reliability due to their inadequate sample sizes.

How second opinions from subspecialty radiologists alter cancer care

Such reports sometimes unearth widespread variability in in the quality of outside imaging exams, a significant amount of which result in treatment changes.

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.

AI tool detects CVD on cardiac MRI in 20 seconds with high precision

The algorithm is already in use at some institutions in Europe, with plans for it to be utilized globally at many more within the year.

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