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.

Princeton Radiology partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI service
The private practice is partnering with Ezra to add the examination at its freestanding network of imaging centers in central and northern New Jersey.
Siemens Healthineers investing $314M to build new MRI manufacturing facility
This is the first major production site for the company's DryCool technology, which drastically reduces the amount of helium required for magnetic resonance imaging.
Collaborative bolsters prostate MRI quality, with 1 site realizing $559,000 in reimbursement gains
Some of the most commonly deployed interventions included protocol adjustments, standardized patient prep instructions and personnel training.
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.

MRI pioneer and Nobel prize winning physicist dies at 83

Peter Mansfield, physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize for his work in helping to invent MRI scanners died at the age of 83, according to a statement by the University of Nottingham.

February 10, 2017

MRI prostate analysis could indicate cancer sans biopsy, reduce unnecessary procedures

An interdisciplinary team used an MRI quantification technique called "shape atlasing" to detect subtle deformations in cancerous prostate glands, finding a consistent anterior bulge among the patient cohort.

February 7, 2017

MRI illuminates changes in astronauts' gray matter

A new study has detailed what spaceflight can do to the shape and consistency of the human brain. Researchers examined structural MRIs of astronauts and found considerable changes in the gray matter in various sections of the brain.

February 2, 2017

FDA OKs MR-conditioning labeling for Abbott MRI pacemaker

A magnetic resonance (MR)-conditioning labeling for Abbott’s Assurity MRI pacemaker and its Tendreil MRI pacing lead received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

February 2, 2017

Put away the calipers: Pfizer increases stake in MRI body measurements

Pfizer has solidified its commitment to a Swedish firm developing an MRI-based body measurement, investing an additional $9 million into the company. Called AMRA, the technology can produce body composition measurements from a six-minute whole-body MRI.  

January 26, 2017

Can fMRI scans done prior to antidepressant therapy be beneficial?

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Michigan conducted a study with data suggesting that a functional MRI brain scan may be beneficial for patients being considered for antidepressant therapy.

January 24, 2017

MRI scans on men with suspected prostate cancer could help avoid unnecessary biopsy

According to a study published in The Lancet, men with suspected prostate cancer who undergo MRI first could improve diagnosis and avoid unnecessary biopsy.

January 23, 2017

Siemens Healthineers and Biogen Announce Agreement to Jointly Develop New MRI Tools for Multiple Sclerosis

Project will explore quantitative MRI metrics for more informed treatment decision making

January 17, 2017

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.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Princeton Radiology partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI service

Siemens Healthineers investing $314M to build new MRI manufacturing facility

Collaborative bolsters prostate MRI quality, with 1 site realizing $559,000 in reimbursement gains

A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate

Alzheimer’s imaging experts to assess utility, efficiency of Hyperfine’s Swoop system

Around the web