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

AI shows potential to differentiate pancreatic diseases on MR images

Deep learning may be able to help specialists differentiate pancreatic diseases on MR images, according to new findings published in Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging.

August 1, 2019

Cheryl Petersilge, MD, MBA, with the department of regional radiology at the Cleveland Clinic, examined enterprise imaging—and how radiologists must integrate and collaborate with other departments. Her clinical perspective clinical perspective was published online in the October issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

How consistent is the technical quality of breast MRI exams?

The technical quality of breast MRI examinations in the United States is inconsistent, according to new findings published in Academic Radiology.

July 30, 2019

Background parenchymal enhancement leads to abnormal breast MRI interpretations

High levels of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) can have a negative impact on the diagnostic quality of breast MRI interpretations, according to new findings published in Academic Radiology.

July 26, 2019

Why magnetic eyelashes should not be worn during MRI scans

Wearing magnetic eyelashes during an MRI scan can reduce image quality and put the patient at risk, according to new findings published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

July 24, 2019

Bayer’s Gadavist injection cleared by FDA for cardiac MR in adults

Bayer announced Monday, July 15, that its Gadavist (gadobutrol) injection has been approved by the FDA for cardiac MR imaging to assess myocardial perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

July 15, 2019

How pMRI after a DCIS diagnosis can improve patient care

Preoperative breast MRI (pMRI) can improve the surgical management of patients with newly diagnosed pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), according to a new study published in Academic Radiology.

July 11, 2019

New imaging technique performs MRI scans of individual atoms

Scientists have developed a new MRI technique that can capture images of individual atoms.

July 3, 2019

Cardiac MRI provides significant value when treating cocaine-induced disease

Cardiac MRI can help providers differentiate between acute and chronic cocaine-induced cardiovascular diseases, according to a new analysis published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.

June 19, 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.