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.

fatty liver disease hepatic steatosis

Tech firm, specializing in tools to enhance MR imaging, ups fundraising total to $140M

Perspectum's flagship product is a noninvasive AI tool used to help physicians evaluate for the signs of liver disease. 

Thumbnail

Nation’s largest health system to cover new Alzheimer’s drug, with implications for radiology

Those eligible must undergo a brain MRI within one year prior to starting treatment and additional scans before the fifth, seventh and 14th infusions.

The American College of Radiology is seeking input on new MRI safety guidelines

The most recent updates contain “substantial new content and safety recommendations," the ACR reported recently. 

The pediatric hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite at Children's Minnesota

A first in pediatrics: Hybrid intraoperative MRI neurosurgery suite

The suite enables doctors to perform brain and total spine scans mid-procedure for surgeries involving brain tumors, epilepsy, traumatic injuries, and more. 

One of the nation’s largest mobile imaging providers gets even bigger with latest acquisition

West Fargo, North Dakota-headquartered DMS Health Technologies is acquiring the assets of Advanced Imaging Management, bolstering its MRI and ultrasound offerings.  

Thumbnail

New guidelines recommend imaging asymptomatic siblings of physical abuse victims

Nearly 30 experts, including nine pediatric radiologists and seven neurorads, collaborated to create the consensus statement.

Providers still routinely using unnecessary imaging to diagnose mild traumatic brain injury

There is little value in deploying CT, MRI or X-ray to diagnose mTBI, experts note, and it may instead result in harm and excess costs.

Thumbnail

Insights into early MRI-termination risk factors offer helpful strategies for prevention

Even a small number of early terminations can be costly, in addition to creating negative experiences for patients, experts wrote in the European Journal of 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.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup