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 medical professional trained to manage contrast reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety, according to a an updated statement from the American College of Radiology. The ACR has released the latest edition of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria, which includes 221 diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology topics with more than 1,050 clinical variants covering 2,900 clinical scenarios. #ACR #AUC #appropriateuse

ACR updates requirements for on-site staff overseeing contrast administration

A clinician trained to manage reactions should be on-site at any imaging facilities doing contrast studies to maintain patient safety.

March 1, 2024
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MRI scans on rat brains could lead to new cocaine addiction therapies

A study on rat models reveals how prolonged cocaine use disrupts neural networks responsible for regulating emotions and problem solving.

February 29, 2024

Dozens of Indigenous Canadians file lawsuit against two radiologists over undisclosed study

The plaintiffs claim they were imaged for a liver disease study without giving their consent, or learning of the results. 

February 27, 2024
Baby

MRI reveals placental oxygenation levels may be linked to fetal brain development

Oxygenation levels not only seem to be a predictor of cortical growth and cognition, but likely childhood behavior as well, the study found. 

February 27, 2024
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MRI shows brain ‘leakage’ that may explain cognitive decline from long COVID

A team from Ireland identified disruptions to the integrity of the blood vessels in the brains of patients experiencing brain fog due to the disease.

February 22, 2024
Robot

Microrobots guided by an MRI eradicate liver cancer

The technique was successful in a proof-of-concept animal study, but human trials are a long way off. 

February 15, 2024
InternalMedImage

Low field 0.55T MRI images as diagnostically useful as 1.5T for abdominal scans

Researchers from the University of Michigan scanned 52 patients at multiple field strengths to make the comparison.

February 14, 2024
prostate cancer PSA

MRI overutilized in prostate cancer screening, study finds

MRI scans rarely detect prostate cancer even in men marked as having an elevated risk, calling into question current clinical guidelines.

February 12, 2024

Around the web

Automated AI-generated measurements combined with annotated CT images can improve treatment planning and help referring physicians and patients better understand their disease, explained Sarah Jane Rinehart, MD, director of cardiac imaging with Charleston Area Medical Center.

Two advanced algorithms—one for CAC scores and another for segmenting cardiac chamber volumes—outperformed radiologists when assessing low-dose chest CT scans. 

"Gen AI can help tackle repetitive tasks and provide insights into massive datasets, saving valuable time," Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said Tuesday. 

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