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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4 steps to implementing abbreviated breast MRI screening into practice

The high sensitivity associated with breast MRI makes it an effective tool for detecting breast cancer, but the costs and long acquisition times have kept it from being embraced as a supplemental screening option.

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EMR-based messaging tool helps patients connect with radiologists

Allowing patients to communicate directly with radiologists through an online portal helps them stay informed and feel more engaged, according to a case study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

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Checklist helps providers know when patients need general anesthesia before MRI scans

Researchers have developed a new checklist to determine if general anesthesia (GA) is needed when children and young adults undergo MRI scans, sharing their findings in Clinical Radiology.

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7T MRI scans can track lesion progression in MS patients

High-strength MRI scans can help providers track the development of cortical lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new research published in Radiology.

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Improved radiology reports, clinician education improve knee MRI utilization

Researchers have found that standardized radiology reports and clinician education can reduce unnecessary knee MRI utilization for patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA).

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AI model predicts a patient’s breast cancer risk from single MR image

Researchers have developed a deep learning (DL) model that assesses a woman’s five-year cancer risk with a single breast MR image, sharing their findings in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

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Both major parties in Australia commit to funding MRI scans for breast cancer patients

The two major parties set to take part in Australia’s upcoming federal election have both committed to increase funding for MRI scans for women with breast cancer.

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7T MRI scans improve care for patients with focal epilepsy

7T MRI scans of patients with focal epilepsy can provide valuable information missed by 3T scans, according to new research published in PLOS ONE.

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.