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 location of Lumina imaging in Ohio

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. 

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Startup that converts MRIs into 3D assessments raises $3M from private equity, pro sports franchise

Springbok Analytics uses AI and the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to create “precise” muscle assessments. 

The European Society of radiology European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2023 meeting. Image courtesy of ECR

Key trends in radiology at the European Congress of Radiology 2023 meeting

Bhvita Jani, research manager at the healthcare market analysis firm Signify Research, shares noteworthy happenings from the ECR expo floor.

Medtronic just launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI compatible cardiac devices.

Medtronic streamlines MRI screening, scanning for patients with implanted cardiac devices

Medtronic launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with compatible cardiac devices.

Female Medical Research Scientist Working with Brain Scans

Neuroradiologists make more mistakes when facing these 3 scenarios

“These findings should be considered when designing workflow-related and other interventions seeking to reduce errors," experts wrote in AJR

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MRI protocol tweak nets big savings for hospital system while opening up additional exam slots

An inordinate number of patients with metallic hardware were receiving inappropriate MRIs without a key sequence to reduce related artifacts. 

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Cindy Crawford-backed, whole-body MRI startup continues expansion, despite radiologist concern

California-based Prenuvo recently raised $70 million and is opening several locations across the U.S. this year and next. 

Price for a brain MRI actually cheaper at for-profit hospitals than their nonprofit counterparts

“My takeaway: Commercial negotiated price reflects hospitals’ market power,” the JAMA study's author told Radiology Business

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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