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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The 5-minute MRI: AI algorithm reduces scan times by 57% while maintaining image quality

The decrease in duration allows for more examinations in the same timeframe, enhances patient comfort and reduces the chance of image distortion. 

March 12, 2024
An MRI of a fetus inside the mother. The freakish appearance of the eyes and the face are normal for MRI fetal imaging. Image courtesy of RSNA. Baby MRI, baby ultrasound

PHOTO GALLERY: What does fetal medical imaging look like?

This is a clinical photo gallery of fetal imaging that explains what all can be seen on medical imaging, how sex is determined, how measurements are used to track the development of a baby.

March 11, 2024
Kate Hanneman, MD, University Of Toronto, explains why vendors and hospitals are increasingly discussing lowing their carbon footprint by starting with radiology. 

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

March 1, 2024
A medical professional trained to manage contrast reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety, according to a an updated statement from the American College of Radiology. The ACR has released the latest edition of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, which includes 221 diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology topics with more than 1,050 clinical variants covering 2,900 clinical scenarios. #ACR #AUC #appropriateuse

ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration

A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.

March 1, 2024
2024 has been a banner year for structural heart treatments, especially those focused on the tricuspid valve. In February, for example, Edwards Lifesciences made history when its Evoque transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) system became the first device of its kind to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Two months later, Abbott’s TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system also gained FDA approval for the treatment of TR.

Cardiac imaging use is skyrocketing, and radiologists are rising to the challenge

Over the course of a decade, the number of CT exams leapt 353% by 2022, while MRI climbed nearly 283%, researchers detailed Wednesday. 

February 29, 2024

Class action lawsuit claims radiologists subjected patients to ‘secret’ MRI research

Physician allegedly kept patients in scanners for extra examinations as part of a study evaluating the livers of indigenous peoples. 

February 27, 2024
Avatar Medical virtual reality imaging

Startup that creates avatars via CT, MR images raises $5.4M from radiologists and investors

Paris-based Avatar Medical believes such physician financing demonstrates “strong support” for its medical solution.

February 21, 2024
An example of cardiac MRI myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) imaging. Image courtesy of https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10090679

Imaging group thrilled with new CPT codes for MBFR measurements

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance applauded two new CPT Category III codes for myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) assessments.

February 16, 2024
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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business
Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound. 

Cardiovascular Business
Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.

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