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

Diagnostic imaging pay has slid steadily since 2007, with MRI, bone densitometry bearing the brunt

Adjusting for inflation, the drop persisted across nine different modalities, Brown University experts wrote in JACR.

July 23, 2020

Major practices ink DBT AI deals, Canon’s MRI clearance, ABR’s video series, plus more radiology vendors news

Plus, new CT scanner drapes, Nuance's latest AI Marketplace addition, and several firms raise millions in capital.

July 22, 2020

3 tips to help avoid harmful use of anesthesia when MR imaging pediatric patients

Researchers recently conducted a retrospective investigation of some 500 scans, seeking signals of how to limit use of such drugs among patients under 18.

July 9, 2020

Radiology experts warn of dangers when MR imaging patients with magnetic eyelashes

Such cosmetic accessories have gained popularity in recent years, but do not typically show up on patient intake forms.

June 23, 2020

Canon notches FDA clearance for tool that reduces MRI scan times

The company said such swiftness will be all-the-more important as imaging centers grapple with sizable backlogs and greater infection control demands.

June 17, 2020

GE scores FDA clearance for tool that speeds up MRI scan times to help tackle backlog

In magnetic resonance alone, the Chicago-based corporation estimated that U.S. providers have postponed upward of 5 million scans since the pandemic started.

May 28, 2020

FDA clears ‘world’s first’ ultrawide-bore MR for imaging obese or claustrophobic patients

United Imaging announced the approval on Tuesday, touting its uMR Omega system’s 75-centimeter bore and quick scan times.

May 26, 2020

MRI upgrade helps small-town practice see significant improvements in quality, productivity

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

Prospect, Connecticut, was founded all the way back in 1827, and its citizens take great pride in the city’s gorgeous scenery and deep history. In fact, just one look at Prospect’s motto—“The Best Small Town in Connecticut”—tells you everything you need to know.

May 5, 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.