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

ACR publishes new guidance on prostate MRI utilization

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has developed a new guidance document on the use of prostate MRI for working up suspected or known malignancies.

August 28, 2019

AI techniques detect implantable devices, improve MRI safety

Two different AI-based methods can identify patients with implantable devices that could pose a safety risk during MRI scans, according to research published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

August 21, 2019

FDA approves use of Boston Scientific DBS system during full-body MRI scans

Boston Scientific Corporation announced that it has received FDA approval for its Vercise Gevia deep brain stimulation (DBS) system to be used during full-body MRI scans.

August 21, 2019

Gadolinium-free contrast agent could improve MRI safety

A new manganese-based contrast agent could help limit the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and make MRI scans safer, according to findings published in Investigative Radiology.

August 16, 2019

MRI tech company Metrasens files patent infringement case

Metrasens, a Malvern, England-based MRI technology company, has filed a new patent infringement case against Nanjing Cloud Magnet Electronic Technology Limited (Cloud Magnet).

August 13, 2019

MRI scans reveal 'big step' for progressive MS research

Chronic active lesions visible on brain MRI scans, identifiable by their “darkened outer rims,” are associated with multiple sclerosis, according to new findings published in JAMA Neurology.

August 12, 2019

How MRI scans can dramatically improve prostate cancer diagnosis

Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) scans and targeted biopsies can improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.

August 8, 2019

FDA shares new guidance document on MRI safety

The FDA has published a new guidance document focused on making improvements to the overall safety of MR environments and MRI-related medical device labeling.

August 1, 2019

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.