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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Medical 3D printing expert Summer Decker, PhD, professor and vice chair for research and innovation, and director of 3D clinical applications, University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine and Tampa General Hospital, explains what is involved in creating a 3D printiung program in radiology and how it helps patient care.

Pitching the business case for 3D printing labs in radiology

Medical 3D printing expert Summer Decker, PhD, University of South Florida, explains how her lab has helped improve patient care. 

March 14, 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
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.

April 7, 2023
MRI system advances include helium-free MRI systems (left is Philips version of this system), and compressed sensing (right, GE's version of this technology), which can greatly reduce scan times. Both technologies were mentioned in an overview by Signet Research of new tech that will be at RSNA 2022.

VIDEO: Overview of MRI market and technology trends

Bhvita Jani, research manager, Signify Research, explains some key trends and technology advances in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) market leading into the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting. 

November 3, 2022
The University of Southern California was among the first imaging centers in the U.S. to install a 7T MRI. This high-end part of the MRI market is small and is mainly made up of academic research centers. The main MRI market is made of of 1.5T systems, but there is rising demand for 3T, which Signify research may eventually become the standard for MRI.

Top MRI trends include helium-free systems, compressed sensing and AI

Signify Research outlines several key technologies and trends in MRI to look for at the Radiological Society of North America 2022 meeting.

November 3, 2022
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.

August 9, 2022
Alex Ding, MD, radiologist and incoming AMA Board trustee, explains the new AMA policy that calls on Ciongress to change the requirements of the CMS requirement for appropriate use criteria clinical decision support software for all advanced imaging exams, including CT and MRI. #AMA #AMAmtg #AMA175 #AUC

VIDEO: AMA will ask Congress to change mandate on appropriate use criteria clinical decision support

Alexander Ding, MD, a radiologist and incoming American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees member, explains the new AMA policy calling on Congress to change the language and implementation of the current Medicare mandate that all advanced medical imaging needs certification.

June 20, 2022
How radiology should prepare for AUC clinical decision support reporting requirements. CMS to require AUC CDS January 1, 2023.

How radiology should prepare for AUC clinical decision support reporting requirements

An overview for the coming January 2023 mandate to use clinical decision support for all advanced imaging orders.

May 10, 2022
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