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

Canon scores FDA clearance for artificial intelligence engine that bolsters MRI quality

The Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine harnesses deep learning to help radiologists differentiate true magnetic resonance signals from noise.

March 19, 2020

Cigna labels most hospital-based CT, MR imaging ‘not medically necessary’

The nation’s fourth largest private payer detailed a small list of exceptions, including if a patient is less than age 10 or has a contrast agent allergy.

February 21, 2020

Poor MRI quality highlights radiologists’ need to address language barriers

Exams of patients who require a translator appeared to be of “significantly worse” quality, underlining the need to strengthen communication, according to new research in Abdominal Imaging.

February 14, 2020

Artificial intelligence predicts heart attack risk from cardiac MRI for the first time

University College London researchers harnessed this new tool to quickly analyze cardiovascular magnetic resonance images and determine the risk of other adverse events such as stroke.

February 14, 2020

‘World's first’ bedside MRI machine scores FDA clearance, eyes summer rollout

Connecticut-based Hyperfine Research said its new point-of-care imaging tool carries a fraction of the cost and weight of a traditional magnetic resonance machine.

February 12, 2020

How one large hospital standardized its MRI protocols in 6 steps

Emory University recently devised a detailed process to ensure that such tests are delivered in a uniform fashion across its vast clinical enterprise.

February 12, 2020

Radiology expert notches $250K from Amazon, Heart Association for speedier MRI interpretation

Chun Yuan beat out the competition by using cloud-computing tools and AI to predict cardiovascular risk through magnetic resonance knee scans.

February 5, 2020

Paris tech company scores FDA clearance for brain MRI assistant

QyScore helps clinicians pinpoint MRI markers, which signal the early onset of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

February 4, 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.