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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Radiologist diagnoses multiple sclerosis via MRI, but patient doesn’t find out until 8 years later

A Massachusetts multispecialty center has dodged a malpractice suit after the patient missed the state's seven-year deadline to file. 

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MRI scans show COVID's 'significant' impact on the brain

Even individuals who had recovered from what would be considered a mild case of COVID displayed signs of tissue damage and reductions in gray matter and overall brain size, experts reported in Nature.

Radiologists call for standardized imaging criteria for diagnosing pancreatitis in children

A recent analysis conducted on interobserver agreement when diagnosing chronic pediatric pancreatitis has raised some concerns about the need for more standardized diagnostic criteria.

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Understanding the structural factors that fuel racial disparities in the use of prostate MRI

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic status, racialized residential segregation, and socioeconomic status all play a part, according to research published in JAMA Oncology. 

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Patients prioritize higher imaging sensitivity over lower costs when weighing HCC screening options

These results have important implications for understanding patient preferences as determinants of adherence, imaging experts wrote recently. 

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MRIs show how even modest alcohol consumption can impact the brain

Experts analyzed more than 36,000 brain MRIs to determine how modest alcohol intake impacts brain volume and aging.

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Experts unveil NS-RADS, a new MRI-powered system for classifying neuropathy

The Neuropathy Score Reporting and Data System (NS-RADS) was validated by radiologists from varying experience levels with good interrater agreement, experts reported in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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MRI features uncover differences between the brains of autistic girls and boys

Scientists believe their findings could inform the development of gender-specific diagnosis and treatment strategies for the disorder, according to research published the British Journal of Psychiatry.

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