Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used as both a functional and anatomical cardiac imaging test. It offers excellent soft tissue detail and the ability to quantify cardiac function. MRI scans can be performed with or without gadolinium contrast depending on what information is needed. Unlike computed tomography (CT), MRI does not use X-ray radiation, but patients with metal implants may have contraindications for MRI use because MR will heat up most metal objects. MRI exams usually take much longer than CT 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.

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections
Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.
What does radiology have to do with climate change?
Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."
Key things to remember when creating a cardio-oncology program
Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, explains what is needed to create a cardio-oncology program, and the role played by cardiac imagers.
New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value
New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.
Cardiology now has more than 100 FDA cleared AI algorithms; experts say that is just the beginning
Cardiology makes up 10% of the 692 market-cleared clinical AI algorithms in the FDA’s latest update on the number of patient-facing AI now commercialized in the U.S. Experts share their thoughts on how it is being used.

New imaging protocols proposed to curb rise of cardiovascular infections

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

March 12, 2024

Kate Hanneman, MD, University Of Toronto, explains why vendors and hospitals are increasingly discussing lowing their carbon footprint by starting with radiology.

What does radiology have to do with climate change?

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

March 1, 2024

Video interview with Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, who explains details of creating a cardio-oncology program, whoi should be involved and the role of cardiac imaging.

Key things to remember when creating a cardio-oncology program

Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, explains what is needed to create a cardio-oncology program, and the role played by cardiac imagers.

February 12, 2024

New expert guidelines: Start PHV evaluations with echocardiography, but other imaging modalities can provide value

New guidelines from the American Society of Echocardiography, made in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, represent an update of the group's original recommendations from 2009.

January 9, 2024

Example of a totally AI driven echocardiography workflow on the new Siemens Origin ultrasound system unveiled in 2023. The AI did all the work on this screen, taking a 3D echo exam and automatically segmenting the anatomy, contoured all the chambers, found the ideal views to display and then calculated all the measurements in seconds. Photo by Dave Fornell at TCT 2023.

Cardiology now has more than 100 FDA cleared AI algorithms; experts say that is just the beginning

Cardiology makes up 10% of the 692 market-cleared clinical AI algorithms in the FDA’s latest update on the number of patient-facing AI now commercialized in the U.S. Experts share their thoughts on how it is being used.

December 14, 2023

HCM expert Sherif F. Nagueh, MD, FACC, FASE, professor of cardiology, Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, explains the key points of HCM imaging. #ASE #HCM

How medical imaging helps cardiologists treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy expert Sherif F. Nagueh, MD, examined imaging's role in treating this serious condition.

August 9, 2023

Advanced imaging does not always improve outcomes, data suggest

Although advanced imaging exams have proven benefits in defining disease severity, new data indicate that more sophisticated studies might not impact outcomes as much as previously thought.

March 13, 2023

COVID-19 vaccine vaccination myocarditis heart damage inflammation RSNA imaging radiology cardiology

Heart inflammation remains 2 months later in some patients with COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis

A team of cardiologists and radiologists collaborated on the study, using advanced imaging to take a closer look at the long-term impact of vaccination.

March 9, 2023

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Cardiovascular Business

AI improves CT assessments, boosts care for real-world heart patients

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.

Cardiovascular Business

AI predicts cardiovascular risk during CT scans—no invasive tests or contrast required

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Radiology Business

Google teams with Bayer to address radiologist burnout via AI

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