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.

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Top MRI trends include helium-free systems, compressed sensing and AI

Signify Research outlines several key technologies and trends in MRI to look for at the Radiological Society of North America 2022 meeting.

Philips running short on MRI coil disposables, FDA advising providers to consider image-guidance alternatives

In a letter to providers, the agency recommends Philips clients in the affected product category consider any of three steps to cope with the interruption. 

X-rays may suffice for assessing some low-back fractures

It’s unlikely radiography will unseat MRI for routinely distinguishing between acute and chronic compression fractures of the lumbar vertebrae, but certain X-ray findings might, in cases, obviate the need for the pricier imaging option.

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The brain imaging-based argument for letting kids play video games

Functional MRI brain imaging studies have revealed higher brain activity associated with attention and memory for gamers who play three or more hours per day. 

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Depression treatments can change the brain’s infrastructure in just 6 weeks

The adult brain may be more malleable than scientists previously thought, according to new research presented at the 35th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology.

Medical center cleared in lawsuit over injurious MRI scan

A California hospital is not liable for negligence or elder abuse, both of which were civilly charged by a man who sustained second-degree burns while undergoing an MRI scan.

Psychiatry, neuroradiology researchers find imaging markers of inheritable depression

Children are at heightened risk of major clinical depression when at least one parent has a history of the disorder. New research shows depression markers appearing on structural and functional brain MRI ahead of symptoms in these “familial risk” offspring from infancy through early adulthood.

Nearly 90 latent safety threats identified, addressed before 2 new imaging suites see first patient

When conducted inside imaging suites soon to open, simulation exercises can help identify potentially serious threats to patient safety that may not have been carefully considered when the spaces were designed.

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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