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.

Breast MRI

While promising, machine learning still misses 20% of cancers on breast MRIs, analysis shows

AI proved useful for detecting axillary lymph node metastases but isn’t yet ready for clinics, experts said recently.

November 5, 2021
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Performing serial MRIs in young patients with hemophilia may spot early joint damage

Experts tracked patients managed across 11 treatment centers over the course of more than a decade for their findings.

November 1, 2021
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Radiologists must embrace low-field MRI or ‘we will be in trouble,’ expert says

The specialty needs to work together and address a number of issues surrounding the disruptive technology, Yale Director of MRI Services Jeffrey C. Weinreb, MD, argued.

November 1, 2021
Technoference Parent

Cooperation during pediatric MRIs improves with parental participation, study shows

Parent-assisted MRI scans improve imaging procedures and reduce associated costs, experts reported recently.

November 1, 2021
Breast MRI

Providers are requesting fewer preoperative MRIs for breast cancer patients

Female surgeons, in particular, are abiding by evidence-based guidelines, but a more selective approach is still needed among doctors.

October 28, 2021
heart vaccine myocarditis covid-19

Are COVID mRNA vaccines a cause of myocarditis in adolescents? MRI findings hold clues

Scan data published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests radiologists must remain cognizant of the link between myocarditis and vaccines.

October 27, 2021
liver cancer

MRI biomarkers less invasive, more accurate option for identifying deadly liver disease

The findings present positive news for patients who are looking to avoid the discomfort of a biopsy in the pursuit of a diagnosis, experts explained recently.

October 25, 2021
gadolinium, GBCAs

Radiologists see potential to reduce GBCA administration with new synthetic MRI technique

Even though synthetic samples may not be perfect copies of original images, experts say they can act as a useful substitute for gadolinium-enhanced exams.

October 21, 2021

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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