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.

Alzheimer’s imaging experts to assess utility, efficiency of Hyperfine’s Swoop system
Is portable MRI suitable for finding abnormalities in the brains of patients receiving new amyloid-targeting therapy for Alzheimer’s disease? Clinical researchers are about to find out.
Private equity-backed radiology provider Rayus partners with AI startup to launch nationwide whole-body MRI offering
Ezra charges $950 to $2,500 for exams of healthy individuals and analyzes them with its FDA-cleared software to diagnose cancer and other conditions.
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.
University charts a world’s first with clinical use of new $9M 7T MRI system
The Siemens Magnetom scanner utilizes dedicated radiofrequency sodium coils and parallel transmit technology—a “stark” difference from older models
Deep learning-based MRI reconstruction software produces considerable cost savings
Oulu University Hospital believes AI will allow it to deliver the same level of service with one fewer scanner, enabling annual savings of over $436,000.

Startup that converts MRIs into 3D assessments raises $3M from private equity, pro sports franchise

Springbok Analytics uses AI and the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to create “precise” muscle assessments.

April 25, 2023

The European Society of radiology European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2023 meeting. Image courtesy of ECR

Key trends in radiology at the European Congress of Radiology 2023 meeting

Bhvita Jani, research manager at the healthcare market analysis firm Signify Research, shares noteworthy happenings from the ECR expo floor.

April 7, 2023

Medtronic just launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI compatible cardiac devices.

Medtronic streamlines MRI screening, scanning for patients with implanted cardiac devices

Medtronic launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with compatible cardiac devices.

April 4, 2023

Female Medical Research Scientist Working with Brain Scans

Neuroradiologists make more mistakes when facing these 3 scenarios

“These findings should be considered when designing workflow-related and other interventions seeking to reduce errors," experts wrote in AJR.

March 30, 2023

MRI protocol tweak nets big savings for hospital system while opening up additional exam slots

An inordinate number of patients with metallic hardware were receiving inappropriate MRIs without a key sequence to reduce related artifacts.

March 30, 2023

Cindy Crawford-backed, whole-body MRI startup continues expansion, despite radiologist concern

California-based Prenuvo recently raised $70 million and is opening several locations across the U.S. this year and next.

March 23, 2023

Price for a brain MRI actually cheaper at for-profit hospitals than their nonprofit counterparts

“My takeaway: Commercial negotiated price reflects hospitals’ market power,” the JAMA study's author told Radiology Business.

March 22, 2023

Tech firm, specializing in tools to enhance MR imaging, ups fundraising total to $140M

Perspectum's flagship product is a noninvasive AI tool used to help physicians evaluate for the signs of liver disease.

March 16, 2023

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.