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.

Advocates warn of supply chain 'crisis’ that could hamper MRI availability

The administration is reportedly mulling a sale of the Federal Helium Reserve System, a move that could hinder the flow of helium to imaging providers. 

January 19, 2024
money business cash flow dollar. Kingsway Financial Services, a Chicago-based holding company with subsidiaries in several industries, has acquired New Jersey-based Digital Diagnostics Imaging (DDI) for $11 million. The transaction was funded with $5.4 million in cash and $5.6 million in debt financing.

Private equity firm HealthEdge invests in leading provider of teleradiology services

Radsource was founded in 2001 and employs 25 fellowship-trained radiologists, handling subspecialized orthopedic and neurological MRI interpretations. 

January 18, 2024
radiology clock alarm turnaround time efficiency

Common factors associated with delays in filling outpatient MRI orders

Female patients and those with public insurance plans were much more likely than others to witness delays of 10 days or more, according to new research.

January 11, 2024
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Scientists developing an AI alternative to chemical-based imaging contrast agents

Case Western Reserve University recently scored a $1.125 million grant from the National Science Foundation to help fuel its work, with a focus on MRI. 
 

January 4, 2024
the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA announces Class I recall of 150 MRI scanners due to risk of explosion

Just one explosion has been reported due to this issue, but the risk is considered severe enough to require a recall. 

December 20, 2023
Brain MRI AI assessment and segmentation on Fujifilm's Synapse system at RSNA 2023. Photo by Dave Fornell. #RSNA #RSNA23 #RSNA2023

PHOTO GALLERY: New technology at RSNA 2023

Images from the world's largest radiology conference include new technologies and the latest advances in MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, X-ray, artificial intelligence, and PACS/enterprise imaging.

December 11, 2023

Implementation of AI-based detection aid has no impact on radiologists’ workload, stress

UPDATED: Numerous studies have explored artificial intelligence's use in imaging, but researchers rarely take radiology’s complex work environment into account, experts noted.

December 11, 2023
jury court verdict juror lawsuit trial

Jury convicts radiology business owner in imaging-contrast kickback scheme

Neurosurgeon Payam Toobian, MD, oversaw a scam in which two physicians would receive gift cards and cash in exchange for referrals to his imaging center.

December 1, 2023

Around the web

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

Using CT to perform coronary artery calcium scoring on symptomatic chest pain patients can deliver significant value, according to a new data published in Radiology

Peninsula Imaging told Mary Raver in 2014 that a cancerous growth was benign. She now has 18 months to live.

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