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.

RSS icon
An example of cardiac MRI myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) imaging. Image courtesy of https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10090679

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.

Thumbnail

Multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative significantly improves on-time starts for cardiac MRI

Such delays can result in longer patient fasts, extended wait times, and poor synchronization of anesthesia induction, researchers detailed in JACR. 

Thumbnail

Generic substitute for gadolinium-based contrast agent Gadavist hits the market

The contrast agent, simply called Gadobutrol Injection, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is now available in the United States.

Medtronic just launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI compatible cardiac devices.

Medtronic streamlines MRI screening, scanning for patients with implanted cardiac devices

Medtronic launched its MRI Care Pathway, a new system that can streamline the process of completing MRI scans for patients with compatible cardiac devices.

Thumbnail

Neuroimaging recedes behind other cost compilers in stroke care

Contrary to older research that showed neuroimaging emerging as the single most dominating cost contributor in ischemic stroke care for older Americans, a new study shows treatment and other line items account for bigger slices of the bill.

COVID-19 medical imaging examples of various clinical presentations. SARS-CoV-2 clinical imaging presentations.

PHOTO GALLERY: What does COVID-19 look like on medical imaging?

This image gallery shows what the various clinical presentations associated with the COVID-19 virus that have been documented during the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine associated myocarditis on short-axis 1.5T MRI images of a 19-year-old man who presented with chest pain three days following the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

New cardiac MRI analysis offers updated insight into long-term impact of vaccine-related myocarditis

Months after their initial myocarditis diagnosis, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was observed in 62% of patients on follow-up cardiac MRI.

Thumbnail

Cardiac implantable electronic devices can be safely reprogrammed to MRI-safe mode via remote operator

In 209 study participants, the remote reprogramming resulted in a successful, event-free MRI scan for every patient.

Displaying 9 - 16 of 27

Around the web

Radiology Business
The impact of Trump tariffs on iodine contrast media costs

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

Radiology Business
Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.