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.

A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
Alzheimer’s imaging experts to assess utility, efficiency of Hyperfine’s Swoop system
Is portable MRI suitable for finding abnormalities in the brains of patients receiving new amyloid-targeting therapy for Alzheimer’s disease? Clinical researchers are about to find out.
Private equity-backed radiology provider Rayus partners with AI startup to launch nationwide whole-body MRI offering
Ezra charges $950 to $2,500 for exams of healthy individuals and analyzes them with its FDA-cleared software to diagnose cancer and other conditions.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.
University charts a world’s first with clinical use of new $9M 7T MRI system
The Siemens Magnetom scanner utilizes dedicated radiofrequency sodium coils and parallel transmit technology—a “stark” difference from older models

American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.”

July 6, 2023

radiology reporting EHR health record CDS AUC

Automated correlation of knee MRI, surgical findings saves radiologists’ time

Cleveland Clinic scientists believe their research findings could have “broad and far reaching” implications for the specialty.

June 27, 2023

Physician-owned hospitals charge less for imaging than their counterparts

The finding comes as lobbying groups urge Congress to repeal an ongoing moratorium on doc hospital ownership

June 26, 2023

MRI product developer raises $30M in series A financing, plus more vendor fundraising news

Other imaging-related startup companies recently raising $4.9M or more include Altis Labs, BrainTale, Leadoptik and Hypervision Surgical.

June 26, 2023

Radiologists read across an average of 5 subspecialties but aren’t always confident doing so

About 40% of rads said they accept studies across all areas of expertise. Yet, less than half are “very confident” reading them.

June 22, 2023

FDA greenlights software that supports blood-flow analysis via MRI without contrast

iTFlow enables the visualization of fluid dynamics in the heart and blood vessels in both 2D and 3D, developer Cardio Flow Design said Monday.

June 20, 2023

Radiology practice SimonMed launches nationwide whole-body MRI service, charging fraction of competitors’ prices

SimonOne utilizes AI, advanced clinical protocols and the “best available” equipment to detect diseases before symptoms arise, the PE-backed group announced.

June 15, 2023

University of Minnesota team develops compact portable MRI. Michael Garwood, second from right, and collaborators at the University of Minnesota created a mobile MRI prototype that could provide diagnostic imaging to rural and underserved populations. Image courtesy of the University of Minnesota.

Curbside MRI: Experts are developing system small enough to fit in a pickup

Someday, getting an MRI exam could be as simple as having food delivered to your door—at least that is the hope of a group of experts at the University of Minnesota who are working on a compact system said to be small enough to sit in the bed of a truck.

June 7, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.