Research on MRI and what it can reveal. Covers restorative-sleep imaging, new MRI agents for cancer, prostate imaging, and dementia mapping.
Dr. Marrouche's pioneering work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the curative rates and safety of radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. His research has led to significant reduction in complications and arrhythmia-free outcomes for patients.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect diffuse axonal injury, a type of brain damage often overlooked. The test analyzed water motion in areas surrounding nerve cells and found significant links to recovery rates.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that combines high temperatures with hyperpolarized xenon to create a supersensitive diagnostic system. The method, called Hyper-CEST MRI, allows for faster and more selective imaging of specific target molecules, such as tumors in human subjects.
Two studies from the University at Buffalo use advanced MRI technologies to identify brain regions linked to Parkinson's disease. The research found that white matter hyperintensities are associated with lower scores on mental tests, suggesting a possible explanation for cognitive impairment in PD.
A study of 249 patients with breast cancer found that using MRI before surgery can lead to better-adapted treatment, including changing surgical approaches for multiple tumors. The technique reduced the need for mastectomies and improved treatment outcomes in 22 patients.
Researchers present data on new role for MRI in brain cancer and lapatinib's promise for stabilizing disease in patients with liver cancer. Functional diffusion mapping can provide earlier assessment of response for patients with glioma, a notoriously hard-to-treat cancer.
A study of 250 BRCA carriers found that prophylactic mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, with only one case detected. The cost of ongoing surveillance is high and can be stressful for patients, while intensive screening may not always detect cancer at an early stage.
A recent study found that contrast-enhanced MRI significantly outperforms 16 slice multidetector CT in detecting endoleaks after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurisms. The study detected 21 endoleaks in 18 patients with 100% sensitivity and accuracy on MRI, while MDCT had lower detection rates.
A recent study found that 3T MRI without an endorectal coil can detect prostate cancer with diagnostic image quality and accurate tumor localization. The technique provided undistorted images of the prostate and surrounding tissue, allowing for precise surgical planning.
A new study shows that MRI and PET/CT can triage patients with stage 1B cervical cancer to optimal first-line therapy, preventing unnecessary trimodality therapy. The combination of both imaging modalities results in a 95% reduction in patients being triaged to high-morbidity treatment.
A study found that MRI examinations before surgical treatment changed the treatment plan in 28% of cases, with 15 patients opting for mastectomy. The delay caused by MRI screenings also increased treatment time by 14 days on average.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel approach to minimize radiation exposure during coronary CTA, while maintaining diagnostic image quality. The 'Low-dose Coronary CT Angiogram' technique exposes patients to full-dose x-rays for only a fraction of the heart cycle, significantly reducing radiation exposure.
Researchers at Harvard have developed gene probe eye drops that enable non-invasive monitoring of brain activity in living organisms. The technology uses MRI to detect tissue repair and has potential applications in treating neurological diseases, diagnosing conditions, and delivering therapeutic agents to the brain.
Researchers used perfusion MRI to track changes in blood volume in patients with low-grade gliomas, finding that increased rCBV is an indicator of future malignant transformation. The study suggests that significant changes in rCBV represent an early warning sign of impending malignant transformation.
A new study found that while MRI has a high false positive rate, it still detects genuine breast cancer cases effectively. However, the rate of false positives does not impact a woman's decision to undergo prophylactic mastectomy.
A new study published in Radiology found that MRI detection of extracapsular extension is an important factor in determining outcome for men scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. Patients with substantial extracapsular spread are more likely to experience recurrence and spread of their cancers.
Researchers have shown that MRI can non-invasively characterize brain tumors and determine which are responsive to specific treatments based on their molecular properties. The study identified five distinct MRI features linked with particular gene expression patterns, including those associated with tumor proliferation and growth.
A new CT imaging technique has significantly improved the outcome of living donor liver transplants by enhancing accurate visualization of vital bile duct anatomy. This innovation, adopted by radiologists at the University of Alberta Hospital, aims to reduce screening time and improve convenience for potential donors.
The combined scanner uses a new technology to eliminate interference between MRI and PET systems, enabling simultaneous acquisition of structural and functional information. This innovation allows researchers to correlate tumor structure with functional information, providing deeper insights into cancer research.
A study of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients found that more severe injuries result in greater brain tissue loss, affecting both white and grey matter. The research provides a clue to the nature of brain damage causing disability after TBI.
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting key contributions of medical physicists to medicine. Medical physicists have developed technologies such as MRI, CT scanning, and PET scanning, which have transformed imaging and cancer treatment.
Researchers used CT and MRI scans to detect bone erosions in RA wrists, finding that CT was more sensitive, but with limitations. The study validates the use of Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scores for erosion assessment.
A super-sensitive mini-sensor developed at NIST can detect nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in tiny samples of fluids flowing through a novel microchip. This technology has wide application as a sensitive chemical analyzer for rapid screening to find new drugs.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method that uses glycosaminoglycan concentrations to diagnose osteoarthritis in its early stages. This non-invasive technique has the potential to monitor diseases like inter-vertebral disc degeneration and heart valve defects.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have created updatable three-dimensional holographic displays that can be erased and rewritten in a matter of minutes. These devices have potential applications in medicine, industry, and military fields, such as tracking progress during surgeries or showing hazards to pilots.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley develop a technique using parahydrogen-polarized gas to visualize active catalysts in microfluidic devices. The method enables direct visualization of gas-phase flow in microscale catalysis, broadening the impact of MRI technology.
Recent studies have shown that magnetic resonance elastography and other imaging strategies can detect hepatic fibrosis with high sensitivity and specificity. Non-invasive techniques like MRI could replace liver biopsy, which is currently the best way to assess fibrosis but carries serious side effects.
In a study of 79 women with breast cancer, breast MRI revealed important diagnostic information altering treatment plans in 20 percent of cases. The imaging modality detected additional cancers, discovered cancer in the opposite breast, or determined tumors were larger than expected.
The University of Illinois Chicago's 9.4 Tesla MRI successfully completed safety trials, allowing for the visualization of biological processes in the human brain. This technology has the potential to tailor radiation therapy based on a brain tumor's real-time response to treatment.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new imaging technology called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that can provide images of affected muscles with greater clarity than traditional MRI. This technology measures tissue elasticity and can detect abnormal hardening of tissues, which is a hallmark of myofascial pain syndrome.
Researchers have identified lung injury in nonsmokers exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging. The study found structural changes in the lungs similar to those found in smokers, suggesting early signs of emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
A novel MRI technique has identified structural damage to the lungs caused by secondhand cigarette smoke. The study found that breathing secondhand smoke can injure your lungs, with 57% of smokers showing early lung damage.
A study by researchers at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Johns Hopkins University found that intraoperative MRI can help detect residual disease and modify surgical plans, leading to additional resections in 73% of cases. The added imaging time was approximately 35 minutes per case.
A large group of MS patients with a family history showed more severe brain damage, including more lesions and gray matter damage, compared to those without a family history. This study suggests that genetic factors play a role in disease severity.
A team of mathematicians has discovered a way to generate an electromagnetic wormhole using invisibility cloaking technology, allowing for objects to be transported through a tunnel in space. The technology could have potential applications in fields such as endoscopic surgeries and 3D television displays.
The US Department of Homeland Security has developed a new screening prototype that uses ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging to detect liquids in baggage and on airline passengers. The SENSIT technology can differentiate between harmful items and common carry-on liquid consumables with high accuracy.
A study using MR spectroscopy with MRI has successfully identified breast cancers in non-mass enhancing lesions without invasive biopsies. By measuring choline compounds, MR spectroscopy provides specific and sensitive results, reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies.
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease will be examined in a five-year project testing healthy adults aged 18-75. The study aims to identify markers sensitive to APOE, potentially leading to earlier detection and prevention of the disease.
A Rice University research team has found that damage to the ventrolateral nucleus (VL) of the thalamus can lead to cross-wiring in the brain, resulting in synesthesia. The study, led by Tony Ro, used neuroimaging and behavioral studies on a patient with a rare stroke to demonstrate the VL's role in sensory processing.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that the ventrolateral nucleus, a deep brain area, is involved in sensory processing. Researchers used behavioral and neuroimaging studies to investigate a patient who experienced changes in sensory perception after a stroke affecting only this region.
Researchers at Durham University have created a chemical compound containing fluorine that can be used in a 'chemically-sensitive MRI scan' to identify disease progression without biopsies. The compound reacts differently according to body acidity levels, highlighting tumors on the resulting scan.
A newly developed DNA vaccine against multiple sclerosis appears safe and may produce beneficial changes in the brains and immune systems of individuals with MS. The vaccine showed a reduction in cytokine-producing cells targeting myelin proteins, as well as a trend toward a decrease in contrast-enhancing lesions on brain MRI.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that MRI is substantially more accurate than mammography in detecting very early stages of breast cancer, including preinvasive DCIS. The study detected 167 cases of early breast cancer, with MRI identifying 152 cases and mammography detecting only 93 cases.
A study found that MRI outperformed mammography in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage. Women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using MRI had a higher sensitivity than those detected by mammography.
A multicenter study compared screening methods in high-risk women, finding that MRI accurately identifies tumors missed by mammography and ultrasound. The study suggests that women at high risk for breast cancer can benefit from undergoing screening MRI to detect more cancers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a new technique to track and protect transplanted insulin-producing cells in a diabetic animal model. The method uses magnetic capsules to encapsulate the cells, avoiding immune rejection and allowing for successful long-term function.
Researchers have developed a genetically modified mouse model using the ferritin reporter gene, enabling live cell imaging via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without additional substances. This breakthrough overcomes limitations in detecting signal changes in tissues, such as fetal development and the central nervous system.
Research found 28 out of 33 young elite tennis players had spinal abnormalities, including disc degeneration, herniated discs, and stress fractures. The study highlights the need to modify training techniques to minimize musculoskeletal damage in young athletes.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method for creating ultra-high resolution 3D images of tiny mouse brains using magnetic resonance imaging. The technology allows for the detailed visualization of brain structures and their relationship to genetics, enabling scientists to study gene-brain connections.
A recent study found that hyperintense lesions in older patients may indicate more severe brain damage, associated with conditions like dementia and memory problems. The study's lead author suggests that these lesions could be a sign of widespread disease in the brain.
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) was seen in all five healthy female volunteers, despite no reported hip pain. The results suggest that FAI may not be a cause of osteoarthritis in some racial groups, particularly in Asian populations.
A new study found that software enhancement of breast MRI scans reduces false positive identifications by 23 percent, improving the accuracy of radiologists. The software analyzes multiple imaging series to provide detailed data on lesion morphology and kinetic features.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University researchers enables better brain tumor detection and minimally invasive surgery guidance. The device, inserted through a small hole in the skull, produces high-quality images of brain structures, overcoming limitations of traditional MRI and CT scans.
Michael Garwood, a University of Minnesota professor, has been awarded the 2007 Gold Medal Award for his pioneering work on incorporating MRI with MRS technology to non-invasively diagnose cancer. His research improves the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.
Researchers from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) report promising early findings on imaging and biomarker analysis. The study reveals improved methods and uniform standards for tracking brain changes and predicting Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to faster and more efficient evaluation of potential thera...
The NIH has awarded nearly $21 million to fund high-end instrumentation grants, enabling advanced biomedical research and treatments. The grants support the purchase of sophisticated instruments costing over $750,000 at institutions nationwide.
Recent studies conducted at Mayo Clinic have found that MRI is superior to mammography in detecting additional tumors in the same breast and identifying new tumors in the healthy breast. The technology has also revealed distinct patterns between ipsilateral and contralateral tumors, guiding its use.
Researchers have developed a new, biocompatible MRI contrast agent using manganese oxide nanoparticles that produces clear images of mouse brains. The agent allows for high-contrast views of brain anatomy and has potential applications in diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study published in Radiology found that MRI can predict full or partial recovery of patients with acute spinal cord injuries by assessing MR images within 48 hours. The severity of MSCC, bleeding, and cord swelling are key indicators of a poor prognosis, while their absence indicates a good chance for neurological recovery.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new imaging technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to diagnose liver diseases. MRE accurately measures the hardness or elasticity of the liver, enabling non-invasive diagnosis of fibrosis and cirrhosis.