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.

New MRI findings may explain why some amputees struggle with phantom pain
New research refutes the notion that parts of the brain controlling specific extremities remap themselves following amputation, which would prevent patients from feeling pain associated with the removed appendage.
Cats and humans with dementia experience similar brain changes, study finds
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that cats with dementia, like humans, have protein buildup in synapses that impacts cognitive function and memory.
MRI findings hold clues for treating alcohol use disorder
Researchers say their findings suggest that medications that increase prefrontal dopamine "are an important lead to pursue.”
Cook Medical hopes new iMRI division could be ‘game changer’ for interventional radiology
The Bloomington, Indiana-based vendor is betting big on MRI's use in image-guided care, touting its ability to cut radiation exposure while bolstering precision.
Prostate MRI is significantly underutilized in racial minority groups
A large study is shining a light on problematic racial disparities with respect to imaging utilization in men with suspected prostate cancer.

Previous negative MRI experience significantly impacts patient anxiety during scans

“Beyond causing a negative patient experience, stress and anxiety also relate to unexpected patient-related events, which delay the clinical workflow and effect a significant amount of lost revenue," experts said in JACR.

MR-guided thermoseeds can destroy cancerous brain tissue

"Improving the precision of treatment delivery is arguably the greatest unmet need we have in contemporary medicine," experts explained in Advanced Science.

Imaging-center chain CEO gets 5 years in prison for $250M MRI bribe scheme

A U.S. district judge also ordered Sam Solakyan, 40, to pay nearly $28M in restitution to the insurers he scammed.

MRI-based prostate cancer screening paired with new blood test can reduce deaths by up to 9%

The novel approach can also reduce the number of MR scans performed over a lifetime by 60%, experts reported in European Urology.

Arizona State University home to new 9.4T cryogen-free MRI system

The high-field scanner takes advantage of an innovative dry technology that removes the need for liquid helium and liquid nitrogen required by most MRI systems.

LEGO's miniature MRI models help comfort nervous kids before exams

The company hopes the model can make scans "more playful and less scary" for pediatric patients.

Boston researchers hope PET-MRI brain scans will shed light on 'long-COVID' symptoms

The team will be recruiting patients who are still experiencing extreme fatigue and difficulty concentrating after recovering from the virus.

Quality improvements reduce biopsy wait times for patients with suspicious breast MRIs

The initiative led to a 30% increase in the number of patients who required fewer visits before receiving a diagnosis, University of Michigan Health System researchers reported.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

New MRI findings may explain why some amputees struggle with phantom pain

Cats and humans with dementia experience similar brain changes, study finds

MRI findings hold clues for treating alcohol use disorder

Cook Medical hopes new iMRI division could be ‘game changer’ for interventional radiology

Prostate MRI is significantly underutilized in racial minority groups