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.

MRI shows neurological affects of one football season

Just a single season of tackle football was enough to produce noticeable changes in the brains of boys aged 8 to 13 years old, according to a study released in Radiology. 

Fetal MRI: A possibility at last

Researchers form several Boston-area universities have developed an MRI algorithm that can account for the constant movement of the fetus and mother, possibly giving clinicians the ability to measure levels of chemicals in the placenta and fetal organs--an important diagnostic marker. 

Global MRI market to be worth $8 billion in 2021

A new report from BCC Research shows that the MRI system market will see significant growth this year and through 2021.

fMRI shows neurological connection between opioid addiction, parental neglect

When videos of parents overdosing around their children went viral last month the general public responded with a mixture of outrage and sadness. While there's general pattern of neglect with addicted parents, it turns out there may be a neurological basis for how they act. 

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Stanford uses fMRI to predict success of antidepressants

Stanford Medicine has identified an fMRI metric that could indicate the likelihood of relieving depression with medication, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States of America.

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Volume and HCAHPS Scores Up, Leakage Down: St. Joseph’s Candler’s MRI Choice Made the Difference

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

In the MRI suite at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah, Ga., the numbers add up to a quantifiable success story.

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Updated templates help imaging center improve breast MRI report quality

Quality is now the name of the game in radiology, and according to a recent case study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, one way to increase the overall quality of patient care is standardizing templates to be used for all breast MRI reports. 

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MRI during first trimester does not pose risk to mother, fetus

Contrary to some conventional concerns, MRI scans in the first trimester of pregnancy appear safe for both mothers and their fetuses, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. However, exposure to gadolinium of any kind, including in MRI, came with an increased risk of adverse effects to the child after birth. 

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.