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.

doors subspecialty specialize

Inconsistent imaging: Radiologists letting personal preferences influence decision-making

There is significant variation from one radiologist to the next in suggesting follow-up head and neck imaging, Harvard experts detailed in AJR

SimonMed

Private equity-backed radiology provider SimonMed opens 6 new imaging centers

New additions balloon the Scottsdale, Arizona-based radiology practice's total number of locations to 170, spanning 11 states. 

Over the Shoulder Shot CT Brain Scan Images

Lower shift volumes lead to significantly fewer errors for neuroradiologists

When case volumes climb to 67-90 studies, error rates were 226% higher than those tackling 19 or fewer cases during their shift, experts reported. 

Thumbnail

State’s largest insurer lifts prior authorization requirement for MRI, steers patients to single provider

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont recently announced the new partnership with Open MRI, noting that it provides exams four times cheaper than other facilities. 

Thumbnail

Nearly half of patients surveyed believe MRI exposes individuals to ionizing radiation

Another 36% think that both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography use the same technology to create diagnostic images. 

Medicare data stethoscope healthcare trends graphs finance financials

Use of CT angiography has surged in recent years, with a corresponding drop in MRI

Ease of access, lower cost, and shorter scan time, especially for emergent clinical indications such as acute stroke, all may be fueling CTA volumes. 

Thumbnail

Advocates warn of supply chain 'crisis’ that could hamper MRI availability

The administration is reportedly mulling a sale of the Federal Helium Reserve System, a move that could hinder the flow of helium to imaging providers. 

money business cash flow dollar

Private equity firm HealthEdge invests in leading provider of teleradiology services

Radsource was founded in 2001 and employs 25 fellowship-trained radiologists, handling subspecialized orthopedic and neurological MRI interpretations. 

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.