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.

AI prediction reduces radiologists' prostate MRI-related workloads by 20%
With prostate MRI assessments now being utilized more frequently, experts suggest AI could offer a more sustainable approach to managing growing workloads.
AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences
Artificial intelligence could serve as an effective tool for determining which patients may need additional breast MRI sequences mid-protocol.
Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show
New findings published in Biological Psychiatry provide insight into the connection between time spent outside and improvements in neurodevelopment.
Calcified carotid plaques more likely to rupture than previously believed, MRI findings suggest
Ruptured plaques can lead to the formation of blood clots that significantly increase the risk of stroke.
FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool
The approval will make around 1 million more patients eligible to receive the specialized contrast, which enhances the evaluation of lung ventilation.

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.

MRI scans pinpoint root of lingering concussion symptoms

Researchers found that more than half of symptomatic participants who reported head trauma showed signs of injury to the inferior vestibular nerve on imaging.

Private equity-backed Rayus Radiology details latest expansion effort

The Minneapolis-based imaging group is broadening its partnership with Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, leaders announced recently.

MRI findings associated with poor thrombectomy outcomes after stroke

For patients who have suffered an acute ischemic stroke, white matter hyperintensity visualized on MRI before thrombectomy might be indicative of poor post-procedure clinical outcomes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

AI prediction reduces radiologists' prostate MRI-related workloads by 20%

AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences

Time in nature changes kids' brains on a structural level, imaging data show

Calcified carotid plaques more likely to rupture than previously believed, MRI findings suggest

FDA approves expanded use of 'powerful' lung imaging tool