Articles tagged with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have developed advanced MRI techniques that can detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure, allowing for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis. These techniques enable physicians to shift the management of the disease from eventual joint reconstruction to long-term preservation.
Radiation dose optimization in head CT scans is crucial for reducing exposure and improving patient safety. Experts recommend using techniques such as lower tube current, automatic exposure control, and scanning at a lower tube voltage to minimize dose without compromising image quality.
Researchers at U of M Medical School used advanced MRI technology to develop a better approach to diagnosing epilepsy. The study revealed highly detailed images of brain tissue, allowing doctors to accurately locate scar tissue associated with the condition.
Researchers have used MRI to produce unprecedented videos of a tarantula's heart beating, revealing a distinct type of contraction known as 'double beating'. This breakthrough uses non-invasive techniques, providing greater insight into internal workings and paving the way for new applications in medicine and biology.
The study presents promising results for the clinical use of a new integrated PET/MRI system, which provides diagnostic information on soft tissues and physiological functions. The technology has been shown to be comparable in detecting cancerous tumors as conventional PET/CT methods.
A study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that patient age and facility imaging capacity significantly impact MRI use. Hospitals with limited access to scanning technologies had less frequent use of MRI scans.
Researchers used advanced imaging technique to detect blast-related injuries in US military personnel, finding abnormalities in brain white matter. These findings suggest fundamental differences between blast-related and civilian traumatic brain injuries.
A study published in Radiology found that restrictive gadolinium-based contrast agent guidelines effectively prevented nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and its severe complications, including joint deformity and immobility. The guidelines require a blood test to estimate kidney function before administering the contrast agent.
A new technology fusion of MRI with real-time 3D ultrasound improves targeted biopsy accuracy for prostate cancer diagnosis. The system identifies suspicious areas in the prostate and provides a roadmap for biopsy needle guidance, increasing cancer detection rates by five times compared to conventional biopsies.
Researchers found that combining ultrasound with pre-operative MRI is a cost-effective strategy for evaluating rotator cuff tears. The study showed that this hybrid approach can be more cost-effective than using MRI alone, especially in populations with lower pre-test probabilities of rotator cuff tear.
A new study shows that susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a powerful tool for characterizing infarctions in patients earlier, directing more prompt treatment. SWI detected thromboemboli in 30 patients out of 35 with thromboembolic infarctions, improving the classification of cerebral infarctions.
A new study found that radiologists using MRI can correctly identify the primary site of cancer in 79% of cases, even when biopsy results are inconclusive. This improves patient outcomes by providing more accurate treatment options.
A study suggests that animal-assisted therapy can decrease patient anxiety in the pre-MRI setting, potentially reducing the need for anti-anxiety medications. The research, conducted at Monmouth Medical Center, involved 28 patients who interacted with a certified therapy dog before undergoing MRI scans.
A study found that a pelvic MRI scan can identify local recurrence in prostate cancer patients with rising or persistently elevated PSA levels. About one-third of these patients have a low PSA level of less than 1, making it possible to treat them with higher doses and potentially increasing cure rates.
Retired NHL players will undergo comprehensive cognitive testing, brain scanning, and blood sampling to identify risk factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia. The study aims to better understand the aging brain in professional athletes and the general population.
A University of Houston researcher is developing new class of contrasting agents by using iron nanostructures to provide color to MRI images. This will enable easier interpretation and identification of internal tissues. The technology also has potential applications in tracking stem cells and targeting cancer cells.
A new MRI study published in Radiology suggests that automated brain volume measurements can predict future memory decline in elderly people with normal cognitive ability. The study found high accuracy rates when considering multiple brain regions, including the temporal and parietal lobes.
A study published in Radiology used MRI to analyze brain atrophy and identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment at risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that patients with MCI had a one-year risk of conversion to AD ranging from three to 40 percent.
Professor Sylvain Martel's team at Polytechnique Montréal successfully guided microcarriers loaded with an anti-cancer drug to a targeted area in the liver, where it was administered. This breakthrough improves chemoembolization treatment for liver cancer by precisely targeting cancerous cells without harming surrounding tissue.
The revised McDonald Criteria simplify the diagnostic process by incorporating new data on MRI, speeding up diagnosis while maintaining accuracy. The updated criteria apply primarily to individuals with clinically isolated syndrome or symptoms consistent with a central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease.
Researchers have developed a software application that automatically detects subtle brain lesions in MRI scans of epilepsy patients, identifying 92% of previously undetectable abnormalities. This proof-of-concept study validates the potential of non-invasive, automated detection tools for diagnosing and planning epilepsy surgery.
A new study found that nearly 35% of orthopedic patient encounters in Pennsylvania were ordered for defensive purposes, resulting in $113,369 of total imaging charges. The study also revealed that surgeons are more likely to practice defensively if they have been in practice for over 15 years.
A new study found that MRI screening in women with a history of chest irradiation can detect invasive cancers missed on mammography. The addition of MRI to the screening process resulted in a 4.4% incremental cancer detection rate.
A WSU study found that performing magnetic resonance imaging sooner on younger stroke patients can lower the rate of misdiagnosis and lead to faster appropriate treatment. Patients under 35 years old are at greater risk of being misdiagnosed, but arrival via ambulance reduces this risk.
A study using MRI techniques found that over 80 patients with unclear-onset strokes could safely receive clot-busting therapy, resulting in 45% having a good clinical outcome and 29% an excellent one. However, female patients and those with severe initial assessments fared poorly with treatment.
American Stroke Association honors scientist John Hallenbeck with the Thomas Willis Award for his dedication to stroke research spanning four decades. The award also recognizes other researchers making significant contributions to clinical investigation and management of stroke.
A new study found that repeat MRI screenings for breast cancer result in fewer false-positive results, with a cancer detection rate nearly twice as high as baseline exams. This improved detection rate reassures high-risk patients about the effectiveness of annual MRI screening.
A new method using MRI T2*-weighted imaging is proposed for assessing iron overload in beta-thalassemic patients. The results indicate that serum ferritin levels are not reliable for estimating iron stores, making MRI a more accurate and non-invasive option.
Researchers at TU Delft are developing an objective, quantitative method to assess MRI scans for Crohn's disease activity. This new method aims to improve disease monitoring and reduce the need for colonoscopies, a stressful procedure.
Researchers used brain imaging techniques to analyze patterns of brain activity in the basal ganglia, predicting individual learning success in a complex task. The method showed powerful predictive power, connecting brain patterns to performance differences among participants.
A study found that preoperative Breast MRI detected occult cancer in nearly 1 in 8 patients, resulting in an added cancer yield of 12%. The use of preoperative Breast MRI is a relatively new indication for the test, with benefits seen in detecting otherwise hidden additional disease.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that babies over a year old process words with adult-like brain structures and meanings, challenging previous theories on infant language development. The study used MEG and MRI to map brain activity in infants and confirmed the same left frontotemporal areas activated in adults for word meaning.
A study found that Medicare payments for non-invasive medical imaging are higher to non-radiologists than to radiologists. This disparity has resulted from faster growth in fee-for-service payments to non-radiologists between 1998 and 2006.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins University highlights the problems with reviewing medical images from portable media. The research found three main issue areas: access, importability, and viewing problems. Noncompliance with DICOM standards is also a significant problem, which can delay patient care.
A study found that clinical decision support systems can lower imaging utilization rates for low back pain lumbar MRI, headache head MRI, and sinusitis sinus CT. These systems provide real-time feedback to providers, aiding in the elimination of unnecessary imaging and increasing patient safety and quality.
Researchers are developing a robotic system that combines real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a highly flexible robotic device to perform cardiothoracic surgeries on beating hearts. This minimally invasive approach aims to increase precision and reduce trauma, leading to faster recovery times.