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.

Nation’s largest health system to cover new Alzheimer’s drug, with implications for radiology

Those eligible must undergo a brain MRI within one year prior to starting treatment and additional scans before the fifth, seventh and 14th infusions.

March 15, 2023

MRI safety zone warning sign at entrance into an MRI imaging room at Northwestern Central DuPage Hospital.

The American College of Radiology is seeking input on new MRI safety guidelines

The most recent updates contain “substantial new content and safety recommendations," the ACR reported recently.

March 14, 2023

The pediatric hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite at Children's Minnesota

A first in pediatrics: Hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite

The suite enables doctors to perform brain and total spine scans mid-procedure for surgeries involving brain tumors, epilepsy, traumatic injuries, and more.

March 14, 2023

One of the nation’s largest mobile imaging providers gets even bigger with latest acquisition

West Fargo, North Dakota-headquartered DMS Health Technologies is acquiring the assets of Advanced Imaging Management, bolstering its MRI and ultrasound offerings.

March 8, 2023

New guidelines recommend imaging asymptomatic siblings of physical abuse victims

Nearly 30 experts, including nine pediatric radiologists and seven neurorads, collaborated to create the consensus statement.

March 7, 2023

Providers still routinely using unnecessary imaging to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury

There is little value in deploying CT, MRI or X-ray to diagnose mTBI, experts note, and it may instead result in harm and excess costs.

March 3, 2023

Insights into early MRI-termination risk factors offer helpful strategies for prevention

Even a small number of early terminations can be costly, in addition to creating negative experiences for patients, experts wrote in the European Journal of Radiology.

February 27, 2023

MRI catches CT in head-to-head lung imaging

When it comes to assessing patients with suspected pulmonary embolism, contrast-enhanced CT pulmonary angiography has no diagnostic edge over a certain free-breathing, unenhanced MRI perfusion protocol.

February 24, 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.