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.

A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
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

Ultrasonography a swift and sound alternative to MRI for diagnosing anterior knee pain

Magnetic resonance is the "gold standard" method of assessing this indication, but US scored high marks in a recent study.

October 2, 2020

New technique cuts knee MRI scan times in half without damaging diagnostic certainty

That’s according to an investigation out of the University Hospital Cologne in Germany, highlighted in the European Journal of Radiology.

September 14, 2020

Structured reporting for follow-up multiple sclerosis MRI significantly reduces interpretation times

That’s according to a new investigation out of the Cleveland Clinic, highlighted in Academic Radiology.

September 2, 2020

Smart shopping: Chicago orthopedic practice knows the value of a good service contract when investing in imaging equipment

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

The Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI) treats patients in the Chicago area for every orthopedic issue under the sun, from rheumatoid arthritis to total knee replacements, and its 100-plus physicians order thousands of imaging exams on an annual basis.

August 25, 2020

Ride-sharing pilot program significantly improves on-time arrivals for MR imaging appointments

The service was particularly popular among the elderly, unemployed and those with government insurance, experts wrote in JACR.

August 11, 2020

MRI screening women with a family history of breast cancer a cost-effective intervention

Dutch scientists reached their conclusion by conducting an economic evaluation, using a simulator to estimate costs and lives saved across a cohort of 10 million women.

July 30, 2020

Physicians battle bill that would allow APRNs to order CT scans, MRIs and other advanced imaging

The American Medical Association is asking lawmakers to quash the legislation, concerned it would increase healthcare costs while also threatening the “health and safety of patients."

July 29, 2020

Incidental COVID-19 spotted on breast MR imaging, providing warning to radiologists

U.K. experts recently detailed their concerns in a study set to be published in the September issue of Radiology Case Reports.

July 23, 2020

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.