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.

RSS icon
Thumbnail

Multiparametric MRI with PI-RADSv2 misses ‘considerable number’ of prostate cancer lesions, could still provide value

The combination of multiparametric MRI and the recently revised Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) misses a “considerable number” of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCA) lesions, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The authors noted, however, that the high positive predictive value (PPV) might make this method useful for imaging active surveillance (AS) patients.

Thumbnail

Can convolutional neural networks accurately select MRI protocols?

Deep learning-based convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can help radiologists select musculoskeletal MRI protocols, according to a study published by the Journal of Digital Imaging.

Thumbnail

Gas vesicles act as natural contrast agents, could result in 'erasable' MRIs

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology are taking steps toward erasable MRIs by using contrast agents natural to the human body—gas vesicles.

Thumbnail

MR imaging a ‘suitable alternative’ to CT when evaluating patients for acute appendicitis

Physicians regularly turn to CT to evaluate patients who arrive at a hospital emergency department (ED) due to acute appendicitis. According to a new study published in Radiology, the diagnostic accuracy of MR imaging compares favorably to that of CT when diagnosing acute appendicitis, meaning patients can receive the same level of care without the ionizing radiation exposure.

New database measures safety of implantable devices in MR imaging

A streamlined database detailing protocol for scanning patients with a variety of implanted devices could be changing radiologists’ efficiency and confidence for the better, according to research out of Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

Thumbnail

Machine learning model closely predicts patient waiting times for CT, MRI

Machine learning might be the next step in predicting patient wait times and appointment delays—factors crucial to healthcare’s quadruple aim and its emphasis on quality of care—in radiology practices, researchers have reported in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Canada notes 65% growth in MRI units across country

The same week British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix pledged $11 million to expand MRI usage across the Canadian province, the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) released its medical imaging inventory report for 2017, noting a 65 percent increase in MRI units in the past decade.

Thumbnail

Should primary care physicians order MRIs for adult patients with knee pain?

When primary care physicians refer adult patients for MR imaging for traumatic knee symptoms, it provides no additional value and leads to higher healthcare costs, according to a new study by Dutch researchers published in Radiology.

Displaying 537 - 544 of 830

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
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.

Cardiovascular Business
‘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.

Cardiovascular Business
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.