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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CDI Acquires The MRI Centers of New England

The Minneapolis-based outpatient imaging center network Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) has expanded its regional presence in Massachusetts with the acquisition of The MRI Centers of New England

IPPS Final Rule Cuts CT and MR Reimbursement

The CMS final rule on 2014 Medicare rates for the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) cuts advanced imaging reimbursement through changing the cost-to-charge ratios for CT and MR services

GE MR Service Saved 250 Magnets in Path of Hurricane Sandy

As the National Weather Service issued its predictions for where and when Hurricane Sandy would the Atlantic states in late October of last year, John McCabe, product service director for MR at GE Healthcare and his colleagues watched closely

FDA Approves Popular European MRI Contrast Agent Dotarem

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine) as the first macrocyclic and ionic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) that can be used in the United States

GE Healthcare MR Technique Improves Accuracy for Imaging Joint Replacements and Implanted Devices

Addressing the need for better imaging of tissue surrounding metal-containing implants such as joint replacements, GE Healthcare and researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Waukesha, Wis., designed and tested a novel MR imaging technique that cuts down on the image distortion caused by metal in implants

Medicare MRI Use Declined from 2008 to 2010

A study in the JACR finds that after increasing sharply for 10 years, the use of MRI for Medicare patients began to decline four years ago

With Affordability in Mind, GE Healthcare Unveils New 1.5T MRs

GE is responding to the call for advanced and affordable care with two new 1.5T MR scanners — the Optima MR360 Advance and Brivo MR355 Inspire — designed to produce images that compare well with 3T systems, but at a reduced total cost of ownership for the facility

GE Healthcare Introduces New Software for Cardiac MRI Image Analysis

GE Healthcare announced two new image analysis software packages for cardiovascular MR images: CardiacVX and MR VesselIQ Xpress

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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.