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Going live to the beating heart

Researchers at Max Planck have developed an new MRI method that significantly accelerates image acquisition time, allowing for 'live recordings' of moving joints and organs. This breakthrough enables direct monitoring of heart muscle pumping and blood flow, potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like coronary heart disease.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·DateAug 30, 2010

Fat distribution plays a role in weight loss success in patients at risk of diabetes

A study using MRI and MR spectroscopy found that abdominal and liver fat are key predictors of successful weight loss in individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. After a lifestyle intervention, participants with lower baseline levels of these fats experienced greater reductions in body weight and improved insulin sensitivity.

Duodenocaval fistula

A case report highlights the diagnostic significance of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for duodenocaval fistula (DCF). Noninvasive CT and MRI are suggested as a first-line investigation for diagnosis, improving patient outcomes.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMay 12, 2010

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates for the Medicare population vary geographically

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant geographic variation in noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates among Medicare beneficiaries. The study revealed that Atlanta had the highest utilization rate, while Seattle had the lowest, with a difference of over 50% between the two regions.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 22, 2010

Stem cells build new blood vessels to treat peripheral arterial disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered a potential new treatment using bone marrow stem cells to build new blood vessels in the upper leg. The treatment, which uses X-ray-visible microbubbles to deliver stem cells, was shown to dramatically improve the body's ability to form new blood vessels and provide a more...

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 16, 2010

Academic medical center finds significant amount of inappropriate CT and MRI referrals from primary care physicians

A large academic medical center found that a significant percentage of outpatient referrals for CT and MRI studies from primary care physicians were inappropriate. The study, performed at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, included medical records from 459 elective outpatient CT and MR examinations.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateMar 1, 2010

Addition of MRI to conventional assessment for breast cancer diagnosis has no effect on reoperation rates (COMICE study)

The COMICE study found that adding MRI to conventional triple assessment for breast cancer diagnosis had no impact on reoperation rates. Despite this, the study suggests that routine use of MRI in this population may not reduce health outcomes or costs, but rather increase them. The results have implications for healthcare providers an...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 11, 2010

News brief: Contrast agent with MRI improves detection of lymph nodes metastases

A new study found that adding a contrast agent to MRI improves the accuracy of detecting lymph node metastases. The researchers concluded that incorporating contrast enhancement in malignancy criteria improves diagnostic test accuracy, and histopathologic examination should still be used as a gold standard.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 1, 2010

Adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during MRI rarely occur, study suggests

A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that acute adverse reactions from gadolinium-based contrast agents used during MRI are rare, occurring in only 0.16 percent of all administrations. The majority of reactions were mild, while six moderate and two severe reactions were reported.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 21, 2010

Incidental findings at MRI-enterography

In a study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers found that MRI-enterography revealed incidental findings outside the small intestine in 25% of patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease. These extra-intestinal manifestations were rare and did not necessarily require additional examinations.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJan 14, 2010

New SBI and ACR recommendations suggest breast cancer screening should begin at age 40

The new SBI and ACR recommendations suggest that breast cancer screening should begin at age 40, with annual screening recommended for average-risk patients. High-risk patients may start screening as early as age 30. The guidelines aim to reduce mortality rates from breast cancer through earlier detection.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateJan 4, 2010

Tracking new cancer-killing particles with MRI

A Rice University team developed a single nanoparticle that can be tracked in real-time with MRI as it targets cancer cells, tags them with fluorescent dye and kills them with heat. This all-in-one particle is a promising example of theranostics, a growing field developing technologies for diagnosis and treatment in one procedure.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 14, 2009