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 turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images
A team of biomedical engineers, radiologists and cardiologists has developed a new AI model capable of restoring low-quality cardiac MRI scans.
New AI-enabled, helium-free MRI system earns FDA clearance
The scanner requires just 0.7 liters of liquid helium for cooling—a fraction of the more than 1,500 liters standard systems need to operate safely.
Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging
Although gadopiclenol is approved for adults and children ages 2 and older, there is limited data on its use in the pediatric population.
Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA
The investigational agent uses 60% less gadolinium without sacrificing image quality, according to recent clinical trial findings.
Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population
By identifying these structural changes prior to the onset of symptomatic neurodegeneration, providers may be able to initiate preventive therapies sooner.

Simple, readily available MRI measurement could reduce breast biopsies by one-third

The practice change takes three minutes, can be incorporated into standard short-MRI scans, and uses infrastructure that exists in most radiology practices.

$18M settlement after radiologist misses ‘clear' warning signs of stroke on MR imaging

A Seattle woman visited the local ED three times over a two-week period complaining of a headache and other symptoms, but one rad reportedly overlooked signs of hemorrhaging.

Radiologists must master cardiac CT, MRI to keep pace with demand: ‘The heart is not a magical organ’

Utilization of these two modalities has surged in recent years, yet only a small fraction of rads image the heart, an analysis of Medicare data found.

FDA: Novel device protects athletes from traumatic brain injury, MR imaging shows

Q-Collar is a C-shaped, noninvasive device that goes around the neck, applying a compressive force to increase blood volume and reduce brain movement.

Radiologists ‘highly encourage’ using structured reporting system for bladder cancer MRI

The Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) showed high diagnostic validity and reliability for predicting muscle invasion from the disease.

Data cast doubt on controversial CMS reimbursement restriction for MR imaging

It was a few years ago that the agency kept in place roadblocks to limit such exams for patients with abandoned leads for their cardiac implantable devices.

MRI could play central role in community-based screening for prostate cancer, experts say

"If successful, prostate MRI will be able to join mammography and LDCT of the thorax as an imaging screening test that saves lives," experts wrote in JAMA.

FDA clears artificial intelligence add-on for ‘world’s first’ portable MR imaging system

Hyperfine said its new deep-learning software can aid in measuring brain structure and pathology in images obtained by its Swoop product.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

AI turns low-quality MRI scans into helpful heart images

New AI-enabled, helium-free MRI system earns FDA clearance

Low dose GBCA effective, safe for pediatric imaging

Bayer seeks FDA approval for gadoquatrane, its latest low-dose GBCA

Signs of Alzheimer's evident on imaging up to 15 years prior to symptom onset in Down syndrome population