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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Diagnostic imaging pay has slid steadily since 2007, with MRI, bone densitometry bearing the brunt

Adjusting for inflation, the drop persisted across nine different modalities, Brown University experts wrote in JACR. 

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Major practices ink DBT AI deals, Canon’s MRI clearance, ABR’s video series, plus more radiology vendors news

Plus, new CT scanner drapes, Nuance's latest AI Marketplace addition, and several firms raise millions in capital. 

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3 tips to help avoid harmful use of anesthesia when MR imaging pediatric patients

Researchers recently conducted a retrospective investigation of some 500 scans, seeking signals of how to limit use of such drugs among patients under 18. 

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Radiology experts warn of dangers when MR imaging patients with magnetic eyelashes

Such cosmetic accessories have gained popularity in recent years, but do not typically show up on patient intake forms. 

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Canon notches FDA clearance for tool that reduces MRI scan times

The company said such swiftness will be all-the-more important as imaging centers grapple with sizable backlogs and greater infection control demands. 

GE Signa MRI

GE scores FDA clearance for tool that speeds up MRI scan times to help tackle backlog

In magnetic resonance alone, the Chicago-based corporation estimated that U.S. providers have postponed upward of 5 million scans since the pandemic started. 

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FDA clears ‘world’s first’ ultrawide-bore MR for imaging obese or claustrophobic patients

United Imaging announced the approval on Tuesday, touting its uMR Omega system’s 75-centimeter bore and quick scan times. 

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MRI upgrade helps small-town practice see significant improvements in quality, productivity

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

Prospect, Connecticut, was founded all the way back in 1827, and its citizens take great pride in the city’s gorgeous scenery and deep history. In fact, just one look at Prospect’s motto—“The Best Small Town in Connecticut”—tells you everything you need to know.

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Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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.

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.

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GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

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