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.

Imaging shows why music makes us happy
Experts believe their findings could be significant for treating both pain and mental health disorders.
MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital
News of an incident is a stark reminder that healthcare workers and patients aren’t the only ones who need to be aware around MRI suites.
Experts may have discovered why some patients are more susceptible to GBCA-related side effects
A new study focuses on the role oxalic acid may play in the body’s ability to eliminate gadolinium after an MRI study.
Radiology groups spar over certificate-of-need application for $1.7M new MRI scanner
Diagnostic Imaging of Southbury recently asked for permission to buy a second MR system, with its first currently operating at 120% capacity.
AI tool has 'untapped potential' for diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis
The tool extracts brain region and white matter lesion volumes from any MRI of the brain, even less specialized sequences not traditionally used in the diagnosis or management of MS.

Opioid exposure in womb alters infants’ brain function, MRI scans reveal

Indiana University School of Medicine recently made that discovery using resting state functional MRI to scan the brains of 16 sleeping newborns.

How one hospital system is using patient-centered referral forms to reduce unnecessary CT and MRI scans

The inappropriate use of imaging tests to assess headaches and lower back pain is an ongoing issue in Canada, one that’s contributing to ballooning care costs and long wait times.

Harvard researchers use powerful 7T MRI to fill in details, root out progression of MS

"The 7T MRI scanner affords us new ways of viewing areas of damage in neurologic diseases such as MS that were not well seen using 3T MRI; it's capturing nuances that we would otherwise miss," said study co-author Jonathan Zurawski.

Simple MRI method could help predict complications early in pregnancy

UCLA scientists made the early diagnosis using what’s called pseudo-continuous arterial spin MRI, pinpointing patients who had low blood flow to their placentas

‘Quantum leap’: Researchers develop ‘intelligent’ new material for quicker, cheaper MRIs

If such technology is made available commercially, it could revolutionize magnetic resonance imaging, noted Stephan Anderson, a Boston Medical Center radiologist and BU School of Medicine professor of radiology.

FDA approves GE Healthcare’s MRI contrast agent for US use

Clariscan is a gadolinium-based agent indicated for IV use in brain, spine and associated tissues to help detect areas with disruption of the blood brain barrier, or abnormal vascularity.

FDA approves first AI-assisted cardiac MRI scanner

Los Altos, California-based HeartVista has gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its one-click heart MRI examination tool.

MRI technique may make diagnosing liver cancer easier, scientists say

Experts with Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed a new diagnostic technique to let doctors visualize liver tumors using “tomoelastography,” which combines tomography and elasticity.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Imaging shows why music makes us happy

MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital

Experts may have discovered why some patients are more susceptible to GBCA-related side effects

Radiology groups spar over certificate-of-need application for $1.7M new MRI scanner

AI tool has 'untapped potential' for diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis