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.

Surgical platform with real-time MRI guidance to be featured at Pediatric Neurosurgical Conference

The medical device company, MRI Interventions announced its ClearPoint Neuro Navigation System will be featured at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery.

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RSNA 2016: The combined advantages of PET/MR hybrid imaging

A Nov. 29 presentation at RSNA 2016 in Chicago outlined the challenges and benefits to using hybrid PET/MR imagining to provide the clearest images possible in “Emerging Technology PET/MRI Opportunities and Challenges."

FDA approves full-body MRI scans for Proclaim Elite System

A full-body MR conditional labeling has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Proclaim Elite Spinal Cord Stimulation System.

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Improving workflows with McKesson Radiology advanced visualization: a 3D MR success story

McKesson

Radiologists operate in a fast-paced work environment, juggling a combination of tasks that includes interpreting studies, and calls from referring physicians.

MRI being applied to diffuse salt in Iberian ham

The salt content of ham delivers texture, flavor and is what allows the ham itself to mature, as it wouldn’t be able to do so without it, unless a team of researchers are able to diffuse salt non-destructively using MRI.

MRI research becomes more accessible for Purdue

Purdue University’s highly anticipated multimillion-dollar MRI research facility has officially opened its doors at its campus in West Lafayette, Indiana.

fMRI shows low dose of methylene blue improves short-term memory

Methylene blue has been around for nearly a century and is mostly used to treat methemoglobinemia. New data, however, suggests that a single dose of methylene blue enhances the response of brain regions that control attention and short-term memory.

MRI findings measuring loneliness could enhance early detection of Alzheimer's

MRI scans done on patients measured if loneliness is associated with levels of amyloid proteins in the brain, which researchers suggest could be an indication of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and ultimately aid in intervention research.

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.