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.

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Hitachi Medical announces software upgrade for MRI systems

Hitachi Medical Systems America announced this week that it has released Evolution 5, a significant software upgrade to its Oasis 1.2T MRI systems. 

A dead fish might have called 17,000 fMRI-based studies into question

In the last 25 years, functional MRIs have become an important part of neurological research, as physicians and other scientists use its techniques to look inside the brain. But what if long-held assumptions about what is standard and how to correct for outliers have been wrong? 

MRI test reveals age fraud by Nigerian youth soccer team

MRI testing to prevent age fraud by youth soccer teams produced some shocking results. All but two players on the under-17 Nigerian squad were ineligible, leaving the team unable to play in an upcoming tournament.

Nanoparticles could improve MRI contrast

A team of scientists who have developed nanoparticles capable of improving MRI signals tenfold, reports AZO Nano.

MRI images are clearer with new superconducting coil

Researchers from the University of Houston have developed a high-temperature superconducting coil for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that can lead to images with higher resolution when compared to conventional coils.

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Diffusion-weighted MRI shows potential for finding cancers in patients with dense breasts

Researchers believe diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) has potential as a “rapid supplemental screening tool,” according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. Their findings show that DWI can help radiologists see mammographically occult cancers in at-risk women with dense breasts.

Mayo Clinic, GE create compact brain MRI device

Mayo Clinic and General Electric are releasing a new MRI scanner next week that specializes in brain scans and improves the patient experience. 

New MRI analysis technique improves prostate cancer screening

A new study in Radiology found that a new method of MRI analysis can help predict just how severe prostate cancer may be, even before surgery allows for a physical look at the cancer.

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Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

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Cardiovascular Business
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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.