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.

Physicians debate the ‘perils and promise’ of whole-body MRI screening
This care model has grown in popularity, with startups such as Prenuvo and Ezra charging $2,500 out of pocket to screen asymptomatic patients for cancer and other diseases
Startup Prenuvo to park ‘luxury’ whole-body MRI truck on Canadian border amid regulatory challenges
Despite amassing a wait list of 10,000 individuals, the company has confronted “significant barriers due to restrictions on private imaging services in Ontario.”
What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?
Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.
Longhorn Imaging partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI at 12 locations
This marks the 12th metro area launch for New York-based Ezra, with the Austin area its “most requested city to date.”
'A very, very good thing'—CMS proposes reimbursements for providers' efforts to ensure MRI safety
“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

FDA announces Class I recall of 150 MRI scanners due to risk of explosion

Just one explosion has been reported due to this issue, but the risk is considered severe enough to require a recall.

December 20, 2023

PHOTO GALLERY: New technology at RSNA 2023

Images from the world's largest radiology conference include new technologies and the latest advances in MRI, CT, nuclear medicine, X-ray, artificial intelligence, and PACS/enterprise imaging.

December 11, 2023

Implementation of AI-based detection aid has no impact on radiologists’ workload, stress

UPDATED: Numerous studies have explored artificial intelligence's use in imaging, but researchers rarely take radiology’s complex work environment into account, experts noted.

December 11, 2023

Jury convicts radiology business owner in imaging-contrast kickback scheme

Neurosurgeon Payam Toobian, MD, oversaw a scam in which two physicians would receive gift cards and cash in exchange for referrals to his imaging center.

December 1, 2023

Long COVID tied to microstructural changes in the brain, new MRI technique reveals

The study also unearthed a correlation between such changes and symptom-specific brain networks related to impaired cognition, sense of smell and fatigue.

November 29, 2023

Philips debuts first helium-conserving mobile MRI system of its kind at RSNA 2023

The imaging industry giant developed the mobile unit for outpatient radiology and oncology services provider Akumin Inc.

November 29, 2023

FDA clears AI-powered brain MRI software from French firm Pixyl

The product aims to reduce radiologists’ read times while bolstering the detection of certain neurological disorders.

November 21, 2023

stroke brain dementia alzheimer's puzzle mental health

MRI the most cost-effective tool for evaluating patients presenting with dizziness in the ED

When imaging is used to exclude stroke or clarify a diagnosis for secondary prevention, MRI leads to better long-term outcomes and more cost-effective management, experts advised.

November 9, 2023

Around the web

Health Imaging

What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

Health Imaging

'A very, very good thing'—CMS proposes reimbursements for providers' efforts to ensure MRI safety

“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

Cardiovascular Business

New imaging technique captures human heart with 'unprecedented detail'

The new images were captured at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility using hierarchical phase-contrast tomography. One specialist called them "Google Earth for the human heart."