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."
Imaging group thrilled with new CPT codes for MBFR measurements
The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance applauded two new CPT Category III codes for myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) assessments.
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.

Quantitative CMR improves predictions for patients with stable CAD

A quantitative measure of stress perfusion by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging showed superior ability to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in unselected patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), according to a study published May 7 in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging.

May 9, 2018

Image reconstruction algorithm, MRI-derived heart strain values can aid prognosis in amyloidosis patients

Recent research found strain parameters taken from a cine MRI-based deformable registration algorithm (DRA) can determine the severity of amyloid buildup in the heart and may provide prognostic information on patients with light-chain (AL) amyloidosis.

April 24, 2018

Seeing the Big Picture: Training Today’s Imagers to ‘Think Multimodality’

Cardiologists are receiving more exposure to different imaging modalities during their fellowships, but their job prospects and training vary widely. A more comprehensive and multimodality training approach could lead to better results.

January 18, 2018

Cardiac MR added to Digisonics Congenital Cardiology Solution with Medis Plug-in

Digisonics and Medis have partnered to provide a comprehensive single system solution that adds cardiac MR to Digisonics congenital Echo and Cath system. 

November 22, 2017

MR reduction after TMVR with the FORTIS valve maintained at 2 years

The first report to address long-term outcomes for patients with severe native mitral regurgitation (MR) who are treated with transcatheter mitral valve replacement has found that post-procedural reductions in MR held up over time, with no significant recurrence upon two-year follow-up.

August 23, 2017

TVT2017: 4C MR therapy could be safer than other TMVR approaches

A new mitral regurgitation (MR) therapy designed to treat patients with structural heart disease was shown to be a safer treatment option than other transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in a presentation at this year’s Transcatheter Valve Therapies (TVT) conference in Chicago.

June 16, 2017

FDA approves Arterys cardiac MR imaging software

Cloud-based medical imaging software company Arterys announced Wednesday that it has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its Arterys Software. The product provides physicians with quick cardiac MR images.

November 2, 2016

Providers outside the U.S. consider Cerner more than any other EMR vendor

In a newly published KLAS report entitled "Global HIT Trends: Which Vendors are Providers Betting On?" KLAS interviewed providers around the world to better understand their EMR purchasing plans.

December 10, 2015

Around the web

Health Imaging

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.

Radiology Business

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."