Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
A new study shows sonohysterography as an effective diagnostic tool for women with adenomyosis, improving detection rates and reducing errors in interpretation. The technique helps identify specific signs of the condition, such as 'myometrial cracks,' which were previously difficult to characterize on standard ultrasound.
A study found that pretreatment MRI and PET/CT can direct women with stage IB cervical cancer to optimal therapy choices, avoiding trimodality therapy. The imaging modalities resulted in the highest percentage of correct primary treatment (89%) and saved the most patients from trimodality therapy (95%).
The new guidelines recommend using breast MRI to supplement standard imaging tools like mammography and ultrasound, particularly for detecting cancer in the contralateral breast. The guidelines also highlight the importance of clear standards for technical parameters and performance measures for clinical sites offering MRI services.
Researchers identified a distinct brain atrophy pattern in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that predicts a higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. This pattern involves widespread cortical atrophy in areas beyond memory centers, indicating potential decline in cognitive function.
Researchers analyzed MRI test results of 109 ischemic stroke patients and found that up to 9 hours after symptom onset, a diffusion-perfusion mismatch may still benefit from thrombolytic therapy. This extends the traditional treatment window, potentially saving more lives.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no significant differences between immediate imaging and usual clinical care for patients with acute or sub-acute low-back pain. The authors recommend refraining from routine imaging unless serious underlying conditions are suspected, to reduce unnecessary tests and improve patient ...
US Department of Homeland Security scientists have developed a magnetic resonance imaging-based system to detect harmful liquids, gels, and lotions in baggage and on passengers. The MagViz system is promising and may eventually replace traditional X-ray systems.
Researchers found that asthma patients exhibit chronic airflow changes in their lungs, even with medication use. The study used MRI to visualize airway obstruction and revealed that many airways remained narrowed over time.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing new imaging technologies to help accurately pinpoint deep-brain stimulation electrodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study aims to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes by utilizing advanced MRI sequences and diffusion tensor imaging.
UC Davis researchers are using MRI scans to identify distinct brain patterns that can detect the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to predict the rate of cognitive decline and provide a method for differentiating healthy aging from cognitive decline due to diseases like Alzheimer's.
A study using 3T MRI found 41 of 51 wrist ligament tears detected by arthroscopy. The imaging technique provides a roadmap for surgeons during procedures and may eliminate surgery for those with normal findings.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MR arthrography was more accurate than conventional MRI in diagnosing shoulder tears. The procedure improved detection rates for various types of tears, including labral and supraspinatus tendon tears.
Researchers found MRI brain scans accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease even before symptoms interfere with daily function. The study suggests incorporating MRIs into the assessment of patients with memory problems can standardize and improve early diagnosis.
A study by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that alternating mammography and MRI every six months can detect more breast cancers than traditional annual screening, with an accuracy of 71-100% compared to 16-40% for mammography alone. This approach detected nine cancers in high-risk women, including five identified only by MRI.
A new technique for imaging the breast, positron emission mammography (PEM), has been found to be effective in detecting breast cancer without being affected by breast density or a woman's hormonal status. PEM has a higher sensitivity rate than standard mammography and breast MRI, with fewer false-positive results.
A recent study using MRI scans has identified new types of injuries in young gymnasts, including necrosis of the bones in their knuckles. The research suggests that these injuries may develop into early osteoarthritis if left untreated, highlighting the need for changes in practice routines to reduce joint stress.
Scientists discovered that atomic nuclei in NMR experiments behave according to super-adiabaticity, a quantum mechanical concept. This can help improve image resolution and potentially lead to portable MRI machines.
Researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework, superadiabaticity, to optimize magnetic resonance pulse sequences in MRI scans. This breakthrough could lead to sharper images, more informative scans, and potentially even portable MRI machines.
According to a study published in Archives of Neurology, only about half of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) achieve and maintain a response to interferon beta treatment over three years. Regular MRI evaluations show that many patients experience worsening disease despite treatment.
A study found a significant increase in radiology tests in managed care settings, with an average cost per patient increasing by $214 over 10 years. Newer technologies like CT and MRI scans also saw a rise, but their use was not as efficient as expected.
Researchers used MRI scans to detect gray matter damage in MS patients, finding that unnatural darkness was linked to higher risk of disability progression. This new marker shows closer correlations with clinical status than other established markers.
A study of 130 children with suspected musculoskeletal infections found that pre-treatment MRI can avoid unnecessary diagnostic or surgical procedures. Early MRI evaluation can reduce the need for procedures, even if there's a delay in diagnosis or sedation required.
Clemson University researchers have received a $180,000 grant to develop new imaging agents that combine light and MRI technology for early detection of breast cancers. The technology uses fluorescent carbon nanomaterials, dubbed 'carbon dots', with magnetic elements to enhance contrast and spatial resolution.
The WVU study demonstrates that CT perfusion imaging can diagnose acute ischemic stroke with high accuracy, particularly for major vessel occlusion strokes. The technology allows for fast and targeted treatment, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that can identify cervical cancer in its early stages by measuring the movement of water within tissue. The technique offers better imaging of smaller tumors and may improve surgical options for fertility-sparing procedures.
Duke University chemists have developed a method to measure temperature changes inside the body with unprecedented precision by correcting a subtle error in MRI theory. This improvement enables accurate temperature mapping, which is essential for hyperthermia cancer therapy and other treatments.
The NIH is funding two new Biomedical Technology Research Centers to develop innovative imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The centers will also create cutting-edge software for identifying and analyzing sets of interacting proteins that are important in various diseases, including cancer.
A new research project will develop and test new ways of scanning childhood tumours in depth, giving doctors a more detailed diagnosis and better indication of how to treat the tumour. This project is part of a nationwide investment of £50m to establish cancer imaging centres and research programmes.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect tiny breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in mice. The method has shown promising results in detecting small tumors less than 300 microns in diameter and distended milk ducts with cancer.
A study compared the diagnostic accuracies of endorectal ultrasound and pelvic phased-array magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma. The results showed that phased-array MRI was slightly superior in determining transmural invasion depth, but both methods were similar in detecting lymph node metastases.
A new study suggests that breast MRI scans can help determine if women scheduled to undergo surgery will later need radiation therapy. The research found that tumors' physiological information shown on MRI scans correlated with surgically based findings of cancer having spread to lymph nodes.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and New York University have developed a non-invasive MRI technique that detects the earliest signs of osteoarthritis, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The test is cost-effective and can provide results within one day.
Researchers used 3-D MRI to accurately detect bleeding in diseased carotid arteries, a condition that may lead to stroke. The technique identifies complicated plaques with surface ulcerations and blood clots, which are major causes of vascular events.
Using MRI, researchers identified soft tissue defects contributing to hearing loss in children, affecting thousands of kids per year. The study found abnormalities in the cochlea and auditory nerve in 40% of ears with sensorineural hearing loss.
Researchers have developed a dual treatment combining nanoparticles with a statin to stop the growth of blood vessels feeding arterial plaques. The treatment reduces plaque activity and prolongs stability in high-risk patients, offering hope for human clinical trials.
A new marker for raised intracranial pressure has been identified using magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the optic nerve sheath. A retro-bulbar optic nerve sheath diameter above 5.82mm predicts raised ICP in 90% of cases, providing a non-invasive solution for early detection and treatment.
A multi-center study led by UIC aims to assess blood flow and stroke risk in patients with first-time symptoms caused by 50% or greater blockage of the arteries leading to the back of the brain. The study will compare blood flow of patients who had a stroke since their initial symptoms with those who did not have a stroke.
A new study suggests that routine use of MRI scans in women with newly-diagnosed breast cancer may lead to delays in treatment and an increase in mastectomies. The study found that younger women were more likely to receive MRIs, but failed to improve surgical outcomes.
A recent study found that 3T MRI is better at detecting and characterizing structural brain abnormalities in patients with focal epilepsy than 1.5T MRI, leading to a better diagnosis and safer treatment options. This improvement was seen in the detection of lesions and accurate characterization of abnormalities.
Recent advancements in cardiac imaging have led to the detection of impairments in cellular processes that precede changes in morphology and function. These early stages can be identified through various imaging techniques such as PET, nuclear imaging, MRI, ultrasound, and optical imaging.
Researchers report that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is highly accurate in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms, with a 99.1% accuracy rate. EUS-FNA also shows excellent results, with 88.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity, making it an ideal next step for patients with ambiguous imaging findings.
Researchers have developed a novel imaging approach using fluorocarbon labeling to visualize cell populations of interest in living bodies. This technology enables non-invasive location, tracking, and counting of specific immune cells, aiding cancer research and treatment.
A study using MRI found that lower eyelids get fatter with age due to increased orbital fat. Plastic surgeons also discovered the importance of excision in treating under-eye bags during eyelid surgery. Meanwhile, body contouring procedures after gastric bypass surgery are performed by only 11.3% of patients.
A recent study found that Multidetector CT (MDCT) is just as accurate as MRI in assessing myocardial infarct size in an emergency setting. The study showed strong agreement between MDCT and MRI, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A new MRI contrast medium, Gadofluorine M, has been developed to visualize inflammatory tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that this medium enabled the detection of more inflammatory lesions in MS patients compared to conventional MRI images and contrast media.
Physicists at Ohio State University have developed a new kind of MRI technique that can image the inside of extremely tiny magnets, enabling potential applications in computer memory and biomedical research. The technique combines three technologies to create high-resolution images of individual magnets.
Researchers at University of Western Ontario found a link between brain ventricle size and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's patients. They suggest that MRI scans can measure ventricle changes to provide earlier diagnosis and assess treatment effectiveness.
A new automated system for measuring brain tissue with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help physicians accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an earlier stage. The technique, which uses computer software developed by researchers, shows significant promise in reducing processing time from hours to minutes.
Laquinimod, an oral treatment, shows promise in reducing multiple sclerosis disease activity and is well-tolerated. The study found a significant reduction in MRI disease activity with laquinimod 0.6mg daily, while laquinimod 0.3mg daily showed no significant effects.
Researchers at NIST and NIH have demonstrated proof of principle for a new approach to MRI using customized microscopic magnets that can be injected into the body. These 'smart tags' can identify particular cells, tissues, or physiological conditions by emitting specific optical colors.
Researchers are developing unique brain maps using microscopic imaging to enhance accuracy of brain surgery and disease diagnosis. The new technology will revolutionize the field by providing detailed views of individual brains.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University used 3T MRI to stage and plan sphincter-sparing surgery for patients with rectal cancer. The study found that MRI accurately identified 31 of 32 resectable cases, contributing to precise surgical planning.
A new magnetic resonance imaging unit will be put into operation in Malawi, allowing physicians to assess malaria damage before a child has died and diagnose a wide range of illnesses. The machine will also enable radiologists to send images to the US for second opinions and serve neighboring countries with no MRI machines.
Scientists have found a gene, MagA, that allows mammalian cells to produce tiny magnetic particles, making them visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The gene shows potential as an imaging tool for tracking cells' movement through the body.
Researchers have created the smallest magnetic nanoparticles to date that can be used to locate cancer cells during MRI scans. The particles are about 8.4 nanometers in size and emit a stronger signal for detection, making them ideal for detecting tumors without surgery.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT scans and MRI scans are equally accurate in detecting paraaortic lymph node metastasis in patients with pancreatico-biliary carcinoma. The results support the current clinical practice of using both imaging modalities for evaluating this condition.
A new study shows that DCE-MRI plus DWI can accurately diagnose residual or recurrent prostate cancer, improving patient outcomes. The two imaging studies have a combined accuracy rate of about 72% in detecting cancer after HIFU ablation.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found a correlation between women who underwent pre-surgical breast MRI and an increased rate of mastectomy. The study suggests that MRI may lead to greater anxiety, prompting patients and physicians to choose mastectomy over lumpectomy.
Two studies presented at AUA 2008 found that active surveillance is a viable option for low-risk prostate cancer patients. The studies highlighted the importance of reliable clinical predictors of disease progression and showed that endorectal MRI was the most reliable predictor of disease progression.