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.

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
Deep learning-based MRI reconstruction software produces considerable cost savings
Oulu University Hospital believes AI will allow it to deliver the same level of service with one fewer scanner, enabling annual savings of over $436,000.
PHOTO GALLERY of brain imaging
This is a clinical photo gallery of neuro imaging and what conditions can be can be visualized in brain scans, and various imaging techniques used.

overnight night shift attending radiologist burnout. A new policy statement from the American College of Cardiology highlights the importance of career flexibility—including the ability to change hours or work responsibilities when necessary—for cardiologists of all ages.

New MRI guidelines help decrease call burden on off-hours neuroradiologists by 74%

“As radiology strives to lessen staff call burden, generalist triage can sustain clinical service levels and reduce at-home call burnout,” experts wrote in JACR.

October 25, 2023

FDA clears artificial intelligence-based MRI assistant from South Korean developer

Vuno's DeepBrain is intended to automate the manual process of identifying, labeling and quantifying brain structures from MRIs.

October 24, 2023

Multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative significantly improves on-time starts for cardiac MRI

Such delays can result in longer patient fasts, extended wait times, and poor synchronization of anesthesia induction, researchers detailed in JACR.

October 16, 2023

21st Century Cures Act information-blocking rule has no impact on patient complaints in radiology

That’s according to a new single-center analysis from Vanderbilt University Medical Center published in JAMA Health Forum.

October 2, 2023

Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Viato.Mobile 1.5 Tesla MRI

FDA clears mobile 1.5T MRI system

The mobile MRI from Siemens Healthineers is cleared for deployment and can be used from practically anywhere.

September 28, 2023

‘Secret shopper’ study co-authored by Mark Cuban finds hospitals failing at imaging price transparency

“These results suggest that hospitals need to substantially improve the integration of their online pricing data with frontline staff who interact with patients," investigators wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine.

September 20, 2023

AI artificial intelligence stethoscope doctor

After seeing 17 different doctors, boy with rare condition receives diagnosis from ChatGPT

The program landed on tethered cord syndrome, which a neurosurgeon later confirmed as the correct diagnosis.

September 15, 2023

Mayo Clinic, GE HealthCare launch strategic collaboration seeking to innovate in imaging and theranostics

Both will work in tandem to produce new research and products, aspiring to “transform the experience of patients and clinicians in the practice of radiology.”

September 15, 2023

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.