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.

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
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.

Whole-body MRI startup Ezra scores FDA clearance for AI tool to speed up scan times

The New York-based company now offers 30-minute “Full Body Flash” exams for $1,350, aimed at spotting disease before symptoms surface.

June 2, 2023

Important factors that influence radiology practices’ patient experience scores

Mayo Clinic researchers administered their survey to 3,636 patients who underwent outpatient MRI exams, sharing the results in JACR.

May 31, 2023

Block Imaging spinning off mobile business after announcing its acquisition by Siemens, CommonSpirit

Cube Mobile Imaging, as it’s now called, will not be involved in the transaction, instead continuing to operate as a standalone, family-owned business

May 31, 2023

RadNet revising 2023 financial projections, adding capacity amid ‘heavy demand’ for imaging

PET/CT saw the biggest gains, up almost 21% year-over-year compared to Q1 of 2022, with the group collecting $390M in revenue (up 14%).

May 9, 2023

RadNet, cancer care advocates praise passage of bills to boost imaging coverage

The policy changes forbid insurers from saddling patients with out-of-pocket costs for services associated with lung and breast cancer.

May 5, 2023

Imaging giant RadNet earns FDA greenlight for AI-based prostate MRI software

“Quantib Prostate 3.0” offers a suite of tools to help radiologists and urologists improve the quality of their assessments.

May 2, 2023

Prenuvo's newest location in New York City.

Cindy Crawford-backed startup offering whole-body MRIs for $2,499 marks ‘significant milestone’

Prenuvo just opened its first imaging center in New York City and is aiming to double its number of locations by the end of 2023.

April 28, 2023

Hospital system seeks to scale imaging chain offering scans at up to 70% below traditional pricing

MetroHealth will expand its Lumina brand of patient-centric imaging sites via a franchise model, offering others a turn-key way to create retail-like radiology offerings.

April 25, 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.