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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New metamaterial improves MRI performance

Researchers from Boston University have developed a new magnetic metamaterial that could help improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of MRI scanners, sharing their findings in Communications Physics.

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Volpara Health Technologies to acquire MRS Systems

Volpara Health Technologies, the parent company of Volpara Solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire Seattle-based MRS Systems, Inc.

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A key benefit, and potential harm, of adding MRI to breast cancer screening programs

Surveillance MRI can help imaging providers detect more breast cancers, according to a new study published in Radiology. However, it also leads to a much higher biopsy rate.

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2 new trials explore the potential of whole-body MRI for improving cancer care

Whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) shows promise as an alternative to multi-modality staging of colorectal cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to new studies published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology and The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

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Screening MRI provides value for women with personal history of breast cancer, high-risk lesions

Breast MRI screening should be “strongly considered” for women with a personal history of breast cancer or high-risk lesions, according to new research published in Radiology.

PET/MR scanner from United Imaging Healthcare gains FDA clearance

Shanghai, China-based United Imaging Healthcare (UIH) has received FDA approval for its new PET/MR scanner.

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Researchers detail MRI’s role in identifying early-stage breast cancer

Short-interval follow-up MRI is an effective tool for identifying early-stage breast cancer, according to findings to be presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2019 Annual Meeting in Honolulu.

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How cardiac MRI can help determine if women have heart disease

Researchers have determined that coronary artery wall thickness, as documented by cardiac MRI scans, is associated with heart disease in women. The team shared its findings in the debut issue of Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.

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.