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.

'Desktop' MRI brings physics education to the classroom
The tabletop scanner provides students with more hands-on opportunities to learn about the processes that drive the modality’s imaging capabilities.
MRI-first approach could allow many to safely forego prostate biopsy
New findings indicate as many as 96% of men with positive PSA labs who show insignificant or slow-growing cancer on MRI can safely forego biopsy for three or more years.
For the first time, researchers find a way to spot early signs of pancreatic cancer on routine MRI
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with a five-year survival rate of only 44% if caught early, dropping down to 3% if it metastasizes. This is largely due to its ability to elude detection.
New MRI technology improves imaging of metallic joint replacements
The technology is so promising that it is being integrated into GE Healthcare’s MRI scanners so that providers can conduct more thorough evaluations of how these implants hold up over time.
How gaming addiction affects brain activity, according to new MRI data
Over time, the brain's reward system may become less responsive to standard rewards in individuals with gaming addiction.

Contrast-enhanced mammography as effective as MRI at evaluating newly diagnosed breast cancer

CESM utilizing iodine offers a sound alternative to magnetic resonance, illuminating lesions otherwise invisible on a regular mammogram.

August 30, 2021

Abdominal MRI intervention helps drop respiratory motion and image quality degradation

Language barriers can pose problems in the MRI suite, where abdominal exams come with carefully choreographed breathing instructions, NYU experts wrote in JACR.

August 20, 2021

Structural MRI shows promise predicting relapse among patients battling opioid addiction

The experimental diagnostic method combines imaging and machine learning to seek patterns in functional connectivity and brain structure data.

July 16, 2021

Annual MRI surveillance of low-risk prostate cancer drops biopsies while preserving life expectancy

NYU imaging experts created a simulation model to determine the most cost-effective method of monitoring the disease.

July 14, 2021

Liver MR imaging specialist eyes $75M initial public offering on the Nasdaq

Founded in 2012, Perspectum's flagship FDA-cleared software LiverMultiScan aids in the detection of disease using scans of the organ.

July 12, 2021

Screening with MRI, targeted biopsies could potentially cut prostate cancer overdiagnoses in half

The reduced biopsy rate and potential downstream savings from less overtreatment offer cost savings that may offset MRI's price tag, experts wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine.

July 12, 2021