Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that most stroke patients undergo both MRI and CT scans, resulting in unnecessary redundancy and increased costs. This practice contributes to the growing burden of healthcare expenses nationwide.
A $300,000 grant from the US Department of Defense is being used to study the mental and physical discomfort experienced by patients undergoing limb loss or congenital absence. The goal is to develop more effective rehabilitation strategies by understanding changes in brain organization and behavior.
Researchers at the University of Calgary's Hotchkiss Brain Institute have discovered a new way to predict recurrent stroke risk using CT scans. The study found that patients with blockages or narrowed vessels on their CT scans are at high risk for another stroke, with similar accuracy as MRI scans.
Researchers found that Cardiac MRI identified a new or alternate explanation for arrhythmias in 50% of patients, often revealing inflammation of the heart muscle or small heart attacks that went undetected. CMR outperformed standard cardiac imaging tests in diagnosing cardiac causes, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at New York University have developed a method to visualize the internal workings of lithium-ion batteries using MRI, enabling diagnostic and testing capabilities. This technique can identify build-up of deposits on electrodes, which can lead to overheating and failure, allowing for improved battery performance and safety.
A new MRI technique allows for non-invasive examination of battery internal workings, enabling testing of various designs and materials under normal operating conditions. This method has the potential to improve battery performance and safety by visualizing build-up of lithium metal deposits on electrodes.
A recent study found that approximately 73% of healthy individuals have abnormal MRI scan results, highlighting the limitations of imaging in hip pain diagnosis. The study emphasizes the importance of correlating clinical signs and symptoms with imaging findings for accurate treatment decision-making.
A team of researchers has discovered an iron-based superconductor that operates at the highest known temperature for its class, reaching 47 degrees Kelvin. The crystal's unusual property is that it can collapse by up to 10% when a smaller atom is substituted for calcium in some of its hubs.
The new hybrid scanner combines MRI and PET technology to capture minute details and produce superior three-dimensional images. It will be used to diagnose cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, mental health, and cancer more accurately and efficiently.
Researchers describe three quantitative MRI techniques to characterize white matter properties, shedding light on aging, disease, and gender differences in brain function. These methods show promise in multiple sclerosis, depression, and human development.
A study of 64,659 women found that only 173 received recommended breast screening MRI despite being at high enough risk. The researchers aim to understand the disconnect and assess the value, feasibility, and implementation of breast MRI screening.
A new study published in Radiology found that preoperative MRI helps surgeons make informed decisions about nerve-sparing procedures for men with prostate cancer. The imaging modality changed the surgical plan in 28% of patients, without compromising oncologic outcomes.
Despite virtual imaging advancements, traditional autopsies are still essential for determining cause of death. Current imaging technologies often miss common diagnoses when compared to autopsy findings.
The article highlights the importance of justification and optimization of pediatric CT protocols to reduce radiation dose. Experts recommend using lower tube current, restricting scan length, and employing image post-processing techniques to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.
A new study published in The Lancet found that MRI scans are more accurate than SPECT tests in detecting coronary heart disease. MRI scans also do not use ionizing radiation, potentially reducing exposure for patients and healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Penn developed a new MRI contrast agent that targets acidic environments of tumors, improving diagnosis accuracy. The coating technology allows the particles to be neutral near healthy tissue but become ionized in low pH, attracting them to tumor sites.
Researchers at UTHealth found evidence that multiple sclerosis affects the thalamus, a brain region controlling cognitive function, sensory processing, and motor skills. The study used MRI scans to compare patients with MS to healthy controls, revealing volume loss in the thalamus related to disease severity.
A research team has developed a handheld, mobile device capable of rapidly detecting brain injuries such as hematomas in patients with traumatic brain injuries. The device uses near-infrared imaging to detect changes in blood volume and can be used for quick screenings before more expensive imaging techniques.
A 'fantastic voyage' through the body is now possible with precision control thanks to a new capsule endoscope developed by Tel Aviv University researcher Dr. Gabor Kosa. The device uses MRI technology to navigate the digestive tract, enabling doctors to detect problems and perform biopsies or local drug delivery in a non-invasive manner.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a new way to track the progression of multiple sclerosis by using powerful MRI to measure iron levels in brain tissue. The study found that high iron levels are associated with physical disabilities and may be an early marker of MS.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are working on enhanced MRI scans that can detect cancerous cells before they cause health problems. The new technology uses hyperpolarization to create incredibly strong NMR signals that last long enough for scans, allowing for earlier detection of abnormalities.
Researchers found correlations between MRI measures and histopathological markers of breast cancer, suggesting the potential for MRI in predicting disease prognosis and guiding targeted therapies. The study's findings could lead to improved understanding of breast cancer biology and more accurate treatment planning.
Researchers will scan 25 children using a four-time stronger MRI machine to validate initial evidence about brain damage and disease progression. The findings could lead to significant new approaches to prevent or minimize cerebral malaria's destructive effects.
Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) enables accurate infarct size estimation in STEMI patients. A new study demonstrates the use of 3D speckle-tracking to estimate infarct size and necrosis transmurality, providing a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac damage.
A study found that physicians with financial interest in imaging equipment refer more patients for unnecessary MRI exams, leading to increased healthcare costs. The study revealed a higher rate of negative scans and younger patients among those referred by financially interested physicians.
Researchers from Yale have devised a way to monitor the growth of laboratory-engineered blood vessels after implantation in patients using MRI and nanoparticle technology. This advance allows for noninvasive monitoring of engineered tissues, which is crucial for personalized medical treatments.
A new virtual childbirth simulator using MRI-based computer software has been developed to improve the safety of high-risk deliveries. The software simulates the properties of potential deliveries and scores each mother's likelihood of a normal birth.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study the effects of soccer 'heading' and found that frequent headers can lead to degeneration of brain cells. Brain areas responsible for attention, memory, and visual functions showed significant changes in FA values with high heading frequencies.
A new study found that healthy individuals with more gray matter in their decision-making brain region can better evaluate rewards and consequences. In contrast, cocaine addicts have reduced gray matter volume in the same area, leading to impaired reward processing and increased risk of addiction.
Experts from NYU Langone's Department of Radiology will present on various topics, including genitourinary evaluations and breast MRI outcomes. The department is a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging with over 100 board-certified radiologists.
Researchers integrated 3-D imaging techniques to better understand facial structure and contours, underlying bone, muscles, nerves, and vessels in face transplantation. This technology allows for customized procedures and real-time user interaction to assess eligibility and plan the surgery.
A study found that post-mortem imaging can identify cause of death in two-thirds of cases, with CT being more accurate than MRI. However, common causes of sudden death are frequently missed, and further development is needed to address these weaknesses.
Despite widespread adoption, MRI's limited evidence supports its benefit only for high-risk women and no significant impact on treatment outcomes. MRI's increased sensitivity in detecting cancer has yet to translate into better patient selection or reduced surgical procedures.
Researchers found that responders with high exposure to the dust cloud had high-risk features of atherosclerosis and impaired vascular reactivity. The study used MRI imaging to evaluate cardiovascular risk in WTC first responders.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique called Arterial spin labeling (ASL) to measure changes in brain function, potentially replacing the current standard PET scan. The study found that ASL-MRI is comparable to FDG-PET in detecting Alzheimer's disease and has the advantage of being non-invasive and widely available.
A new study found that spinal bleeding is common in young children with traumatic brain injury, suggesting abusive trauma. Complete spine imaging can help distinguish between abusive and accidental injury in these cases. The study's findings support the importance of imaging the whole spine for accurate diagnosis.
A new study uses high-field MRI to detect tiny white matter lesions in developing brains, revealing previously undetectable injuries. This breakthrough has the potential to prevent delays in therapy and improve diagnosis and prognosis of white matter injury in preterm infants.
Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can analyze brain scans to predict the severity of future psychotic episodes. The study found that the algorithm was able to differentiate between patients who would develop continuous psychosis and those with more benign forms in seven out of ten cases.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has become a critical diagnostic tool in clinical cardiology, providing comprehensive assessments of ventricular function, cardiac morphology, perfusion, viability, and metabolism. CMR offers significant advantages over other imaging modalities, including the absence of ionizing radiation and hig...
A new algorithm developed at MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics can dramatically speed up MRI scans, cutting the time patients spend in the machine from 45 to 15 minutes. The algorithm uses information gained from the first contrast scan to produce subsequent images, significantly shortening the acquisition time.
Scientists have developed a sensor array that can diagnose multiple sclerosis from exhaled breath, offering a fast, inexpensive and non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. The technology has been tested in humans and shows promising results, rivaling the accuracy of spinal taps without pain or risk.
Researchers used a combination of MRI, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuropsychological testing to improve predictive accuracy for near-term dementia conversion. The test results were found to be almost perfect in predicting those who would not develop Alzheimer's disease in three years.
A new study suggests that MRI scans can precisely measure cholesterol within artery-clogging plaque, allowing for better assessment of cholesterol medication effectiveness. After three years, patients showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and plaque volume.
The US Army has awarded a $1.5 million cooperative research agreement to Virginia Tech's Arlington Innovation Center for neuroimaging studies of human performance and sleep regulation. The project aims to use advanced imaging techniques to better understand the brain's role in sleep, stress, and mood.
The UCSF MRI technology center has been awarded a $5.5 million NIH grant to advance new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology that can detect cancer's aggressiveness more accurately. The technique, tested in a small pilot study, uses a new instrument to boost the MRI signal and measure enzyme activity in real time.
A new translational research center aims to predict and prevent osteoarthritis in young people and improve care for adults suffering from the disease. The center will integrate imaging, biomechanics, and clinical medicine to develop clinical tools that can assess degeneration and risk factors.
A protocol developed by Johns Hopkins cardiologists has enabled patients with implanted cardiac devices to safely undergo MRI scans. With appropriate precautions and careful patient monitoring, the risk of device malfunction is very low.
Researchers highlight the importance of clinicians recognizing signs of bioterrorism threats. Behavioral-based weight loss treatments have been shown to be safe and effective, yielding clinically meaningful results. Additionally, proper selection and programming can make MRI scans safe for cardiac device patients.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a patented MRI technology that allows them to non-invasively track neural stem cells in living brains. This breakthrough could inform the development of new treatments for brain injuries, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
A new type of MRI scan, diffusion-weighted MRI, has been shown to be more accurate in detecting lung cancer than current PET-CT scans. This non-invasive technique measures water movement in lung tissue and can detect structural changes caused by cancer even in early stages.
A new study in Canada found that breast imaging reports generated with automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems have a higher error rate compared to conventional dictation transcription. At least one major error was found in 23% of ASR reports, while 4% of conventional reports contained errors affecting patient management.
A study found that MRI screenings detected more breast cancer cases than mammography in high-risk, underserved women. The use of MRI also increased patient compliance with follow-up care. Lowering the cost of MRI may make this screening method more accessible to underinsured populations.
A preliminary study suggests that the SWIFT MRI technique can accurately detect mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma, allowing for more precise planning and potentially preventing unnecessary removal of the jawbone. The researchers found a high degree of correlation between magnetic resonance images and histopathologic findings.
Recent studies by Sanjay Kalra demonstrate that ALS damages neurons in cognitive and behavioral areas of the brain, contradicting previous assumptions. MRI scans reveal decreased levels of neural markers NAA and increased mIns, indicating biological changes responsible for behavioral symptoms.
A new study has confirmed that abnormal brain blood flow continues or worsens over time in veterans with Gulf War illness. The research used a novel technique to assess hippocampal regional cerebral blood flow and identified a special MRI procedure to diagnose the condition more accurately.
Researchers used MRI and PET/CT to prove the efficacy of dalcetrapib in preventing atherosclerosis progression and reducing vascular inflammation over 24 months. The study found significant reductions in atherosclerotic disease progression and arterial inflammation, suggesting a promising new treatment for cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between cam-type deformities and early signs of hip damage in young, asymptomatic males. The researchers detected 67 definitive cam-type deformities, which were more common in men with higher body mass index and decreased internal rotation.
The CRISP AMI trial found that intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation does not reduce infarct size in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without cardiac shock. The study showed no significant difference in infarct size between the groups, but IABC was associated with lower mortality rates.
A new study found that MRI-assessed tumor responses to neoadjuvant therapy can predict survival among patients with advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest that using MRI prior to surgery may help change the course of patient care, enabling physicians to choose a more effective chemotherapy drug or avoid surgery in some cases.
A study published in Radiology found that pericardial fat is more strongly related to coronary artery plaque than body mass index or waist circumference. This association suggests that fat around the heart may be an early indicator of coronary disease, particularly in overweight individuals.