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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FDA clears AI-powered brain MRI evaluation software

The newly approved system was designed to assist clinicians with the detection of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

The European Society of radiology European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2023 meeting. Image courtesy of ECR

Key trends in radiology at the European Congress of Radiology 2023 meeting

Bhvita Jani, research manager at the healthcare market analysis firm Signify Research, shares noteworthy happenings from the ECR expo floor.

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Biological ‘brain age’ could help pave the way for more personalized medicine

AI-powered analysis can now assess cognitive decline by noting gaps in chronological versus biological “brain age.”

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How Secure Is That Scanner?

In a world of networked medical devices, it’s not hard to imagine a radiology-heavy cyberattack that is not only malicious but also ingenious.
 

Researchers construct prototype MRI/radiotherapy system

Real-time image-guided radiotherapy with MRI could reduce healthy tissue damage and provide radiation oncologists with the capability to instantly modify treatment dose as tumors change in size and shift, according to a study published online May 19 in Physics in Medicine & Biology.

Researchers advocate MR perfusion as first-line tool

The role of MR perfusion imaging in clinical decision making is being refined, based on new techniques that allow measuring blood flow to the heart with better spatial resolution and without any ionizing radiation, according to a presentation at the 12th annual scientific sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) last week in Orlando, Fla.

Researchers advocate including MRI as diagnostic Alzheimer test

MRI scans that detect shrinkage in specific regions of the mid-brain attacked by Alzheimer's disease accurately diagnose the neurodegenerative disease, even before symptoms interfere with daily function, according to a study results published this month in Neurology.

Philips, Celsion ink ultrasound research deal for cancer treatment

Royal Philips Electronics and Celsion have signed a research agreement to combine Philips ultrasound technology with Celsions drug delivery solution to target tumors with high concentrations of a cancer-fighting drug.

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