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.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Radiologists are more accurate, confident when they know the full story

Providing radiologists with key details about the patient's symptoms can go a long way toward improving the quality of their work. 

Rads' lumbar MRI reads more accurate when they have access to patients' self-reported symptoms

Rads are more accurate when they have access to patients' self-reported symptoms

This is especially true for lumbar MRIs, as these exams often show abnormalities without correlating symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between incidental findings and the actual source of patients’ issues.

ezra

Imaging startup Ezra launches ‘world’s most advanced longevity scan’ at $5,995 a pop

“Ezra Blueprint” incorporates CT and MRI and is designed in partnership with “longevity pioneer and rejuvenation athlete” Bryan Johnson. 

Ezra

Whole-body MRI startup Ezra expands service in partnership with Princeton Radiology

The two will broaden their reach into the Philadelphia area, offering an “end to end” screening platform that monitors for cancer and other conditions. 

Siemens Healthineers

Siemens Healthineers signs imaging value partnership worth over $60M

University Hospital Nantes in France will replace existing equipment with 9 new CT scanners and 6 MRI machines, among other upgrades in the 12-year contract. 

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Outdated manuals pose MRI safety risks for patients with medical implants

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

Prenuvo's newest location in New York City.

Patient files suit against whole-body MRI provider Prenuvo claiming radiologist overlooked signs of stroke

Attorneys filed the complaint Sept. 24 in the New York State Supreme Court, also naming William A Weiner, MD, and Nexray Medical Imaging as defendants. 

Patients on Medicaid wait longer to complete outpatient MRI exams

They also face lengthier delays when their primary language is not English and if the exam requires anesthesia, experts write in Academic Radiology

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

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