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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MRI screening women with a family history of breast cancer a cost-effective intervention

Dutch scientists reached their conclusion by conducting an economic evaluation, using a simulator to estimate costs and lives saved across a cohort of 10 million women.

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Physicians battle bill that would allow APRNs to order CT scans, MRIs and other advanced imaging

The American Medical Association is asking lawmakers to quash the legislation, concerned it would increase healthcare costs while also threatening the “health and safety of patients."

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Incidental COVID-19 spotted on breast MR imaging, providing warning to radiologists

U.K. experts recently detailed their concerns in a study set to be published in the September issue of Radiology Case Reports. 

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Diagnostic imaging pay has slid steadily since 2007, with MRI, bone densitometry bearing the brunt

Adjusting for inflation, the drop persisted across nine different modalities, Brown University experts wrote in JACR. 

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Major practices ink DBT AI deals, Canon’s MRI clearance, ABR’s video series, plus more radiology vendors news

Plus, new CT scanner drapes, Nuance's latest AI Marketplace addition, and several firms raise millions in capital. 

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3 tips to help avoid harmful use of anesthesia when MR imaging pediatric patients

Researchers recently conducted a retrospective investigation of some 500 scans, seeking signals of how to limit use of such drugs among patients under 18. 

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Radiology experts warn of dangers when MR imaging patients with magnetic eyelashes

Such cosmetic accessories have gained popularity in recent years, but do not typically show up on patient intake forms. 

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Canon notches FDA clearance for tool that reduces MRI scan times

The company said such swiftness will be all-the-more important as imaging centers grapple with sizable backlogs and greater infection control demands.