Breast cancers show 'surprising characteristics' on MRI
A study found that MRI scans can detect breast cancer in 70% of cases at stage 1, and in 62% of cases without a mass. Most women who underwent the test chose mastectomy due to early detection.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Articles tagged with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI proves more sensitive than CT in detecting adrenal adenomas
Researchers studied 40 patients with 42 adrenal masses and found that MRI was more sensitive than CT in characterizing lipid-rich adenomas. The study's findings suggest that MRI may be the preferred imaging modality for detecting adrenal adenomas, particularly in cases where symptoms are present or a history of cancer is known.
MRI is better than PET for detecting small metastatic lesions in the liver
A new study found that MRI is more effective than PET in detecting small liver metastases, with an accuracy rate of 75.5%, compared to PET's 64.1%. The study used a custom liver-specific contrast agent, which improved image resolution and detection of smaller lesions.
MRI-guided breast biopsy system is safe and efficient
A new MRI-guided breast biopsy system has been developed, showing that it is safe and efficient for retrieving tissue under MRI guidance. The procedure was found to be technically successful with no complications in all 38 biopsies performed on 28 patients.
CAD system shows promise as adjunct to breast MRI
A new CAD system has shown promise as an adjunct to breast MRI in identifying benign lesions. The study found that the CAD system could help reduce biopsy rates by 18% if proven effective in larger studies.
SMASH imaging increases effectiveness of MRI for musculoskeletal imaging
A study found that SMASH imaging decreases examination time by more than eight minutes per knee examination, leading to better patient tolerance and image quality. This technique is expected to impact other areas of musculoskeletal imaging with the right coil.
MRI 'excellent choice' for evaluating causes of abdominal and pelvic pain in pregnant women
MRI is a safe imaging option for pregnant patients, as it uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses instead of ionizing radiation. The study found MRI accurately depicted several disease processes, including appendicitis and uterine fibroids.
MRI superior to ultrasound in predicting cerebral palsy in preterm infants
According to the study, MRI is superior to ultrasound in predicting cerebral palsy in preterm infants. Ultrasound should be used as the first imaging technique due to its availability and lower cost.
Chemical brain scans may help reassure brain tumor patients
Researchers have developed a technique called 2D CSI MRS that uses chemical signatures to distinguish between tumor recurrence, normal tissue, and treatment-related changes in the brain. This method has shown significant differences in chemical ratios for recurrent tumors versus treatment-altered tissue.
MRI 'highly useful' in the evaluation of patients with uterine fibroids
A study found MRI to be highly useful in the evaluation of patients with uterine fibroids. The imaging technique offers advantages over sonography, including a larger field of view and better contrast resolution. MRI can help identify subsets of patients who may not benefit from UAE treatment, allowing for more personalized care.
Mayo researchers invent targeted imaging probe to aid early Alzheimer's diagnosis
The Mayo Clinic researchers have invented a nontoxic molecular probe that targets the brain regions containing amyloid plaques, enabling high-resolution MRI images in live mice and potentially human patients. The probe may also be used to evaluate new Alzheimer's therapies and provide early diagnosis.
VA's newest manufacturer has microscopic product line
Luna Innovations plans to manufacture Trimetaspheres, soccerball-shaped molecules with enhanced MRI imaging capabilities. The company's ATP project enabled cost-effective production of nanomaterials with potential uses in consumer and military products.
USC human speech study
USC researchers have developed a new technique using real-time MRI to capture the intricacies of human speech. The innovation allows for high-resolution movies of the vocal system, enabling better understanding of sound overlap in spoken language.
Novel MRI technique provides clear images of blood flow
A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.
New guidelines for cerebral palsy recommend early neuroimaging tests
The American Academy of Neurology recommends early neuroimaging tests to diagnose cerebral palsy. This helps parents and physicians understand the disorder's cause and create effective treatment plans. The guidelines also suggest screening for related disorders, such as mental retardation and speech disorders.
Detection at a distance for more sensitive MRI
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new MRI technique called remote detection, which separates NMR encoding and detection to optimize both. This separation enables orders-of-magnitude improvement in image resolution and manifold increases in sensitivity.
Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research at Carnegie Mellon
The Pittsburgh NMR Center is developing novel non-invasive MRI methods to monitor organ function and detect allograft rejection. Researchers are also exploring magnetic resonance microscopy to track autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Hopkins researchers find MRI useful tool in diagnosing inflammatory bowel diseases in children
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that gadolinium-enhanced MRI (G-MRI) was highly accurate in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, with 92% accuracy for ulcerative colitis and 96% accuracy for Crohn's disease. This non-invasive diagnostic tool could replace conventional tests like colonoscopy.
New imaging technique developed to identify breast cancer
A new imaging technique uses MRI and spectroscopy to analyze choline levels in tumors, accurately identifying malignant carcinomas in 8 out of 8 cases. The study suggests MRSI may aid physicians in diagnosing breast cancer and could potentially replace biopsy in certain cases.
Adolescent brains show reduced reward anticipation
Researchers found adolescents exhibit lower activation in brain regions motivating behavior toward rewards, but similar responses to obtaining gains. The study resolves debates about adolescent reward processing and may explain why many young people struggle with long-term goals.
'Bat saliva' drug and new MRI techniques offer hope for acute stroke treatment
A new study presents promising results for acute stroke treatment using desmoteplase, a genetically engineered blood clot-dissolving protein. MRI techniques also play a crucial role in identifying patients who can benefit from this therapy.
Whole-body PET/CT scan appears useful for determining tumor stage
Researchers found that whole-body PET/CT scans were accurate in determining tumor stage for 75% of patients, compared to 54% with whole-body MRI. The study concluded that FDG-PET/CT can be recommended as a first-line tool for whole-body tumor staging of different oncological diseases.
Combining various magnetic resonance imaging techniques may help improve breast cancer detection
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a multiparametric MRI technique combining T1, T2, and 3D imaging with contrast agents to improve breast cancer detection. The study successfully identified benign and malignant tissue clusters in all 36 patients, revealing the effectiveness of the combined approach.
Moderate alcohol consumption linked to brain shrinkage
Researchers found that low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreases in brain size, but does not lower stroke risk. The study involved 1,909 men and women aged 55+, and used MRI scans to measure brain changes linked to increased stroke risk.
Imaging children with ADHD
A study using MRI technology found significantly higher levels of excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and lower levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the frontal region of children with ADHD. This imbalance may contribute to poor impulse control and other behavioral issues associated with the condition.
Moderate alcohol use may be associated with brain shrinkage
A new study found that moderate alcohol intake may promote brain atrophy, which can lead to lower cognition and reduced extremity function. The research, published by the American Heart Association, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain abnormalities in middle-aged adults.
New ultrafast MRI benefits stroke patients
Researchers found that a three-minute head scan is comparable to the traditional 20-minute version in terms of image quality and diagnostic results. The new protocol eliminated complications from patient movement, resulting in better image quality and accurate blockage identification for clot-busting drugs.
MRI helps radiologists predict future memory decline
Researchers used MRI to study 45 healthy elderly patients and found that progressive brain atrophy was predictive of future cognitive decline. The medial temporal lobe, a small but critical brain region, showed the most significant correlation with memory loss.
A new technique detects earliest signs of Alzheimer's in healthy people
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine developed a new technique to measure brain volume, identifying healthy individuals who would later develop memory impairment. The study found that the medial-temporal lobe shrank considerably more in people with Alzheimer's disease compared to those without it.
Imaging technique may diagnose breast cancer without biopsy
Researchers developed a magnetic resonance spectroscopy method to quantify choline levels in breast tissue, distinguishing malignant lesions from benign lumps. The technique uses high magnetic fields and mathematical approach to account for tissue variations.
Cardiac MRI detects thinned heart muscle previously deemed unsalvageable
A study at Duke University Medical Center found cardiac MRI can detect viable but damaged heart muscle, allowing for targeted treatment and improved outcomes. Researchers used cardiac MRI to visualize the beating heart, identifying areas of thinned muscle that could be saved with revascularization therapy.
Novel technology to monitor 'hidden depths' of silent killer
Researchers are evaluating the effects of CRESTOR on atherosclerosis using cutting-edge imaging technologies like IVUS and MRI. The goal is to slow or even reverse the progression of this silent killer disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
AAN Guideline: MRIs help diagnose multiple sclerosis faster
The American Academy of Neurology has introduced a new guideline that suggests MRI scans can be used to predict the development of multiple sclerosis in individuals who have had a single occurrence of MS symptoms. This allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce disease activity and severity.
Advances in MRI imaging may lead to new standards for faster diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
A new study suggests that advanced MRI scans can diagnose multiple sclerosis more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. The technology uses sophisticated imaging to detect white matter abnormalities in the brain, providing doctors with definitive evidence of injuries over time.
SFVAMC researchers distinguish dementias using brain imaging
Studies found that patients with vascular dementia had less NAA in regions involved in short-term memory and language, while those with Alzheimer's had substantial NAA deficits. Accuracy improved when combining MRI and MR spectroscopy measures, suggesting potential for recovery through drug treatment.
A new view of the crayfish brain
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have developed a new MRI technique using manganese-enhanced imaging to study the neural circuitry of aggression in crayfish. This breakthrough enables scientists to analyze entire patterns of brain activation, providing insights into complex social behaviors.
Research reveals no benefit of rapid MRI over X-rays in patients with low back pain
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that rapid MRI did not improve clinical outcomes or save money for patients with low back pain. In fact, it may increase costs due to an increased risk of surgical interventions.
MRI may help find missed breast cancers in high risk women
A study of 54 BRCA-positive women found that MRI improved sensitivity in detecting breast cancer, but a significant number had abnormal exams that were later determined not to be cancerous. No woman developed cancer within 12 months of a normal MRI exam.
Imaging technique may help in confirming, monitoring treatment of malignant brain tumors
Researchers found 50% more sodium in malignant lesions than normal brain tissue, indicating increased tumor malignancy. The technique improves identification of cancer cells through noninvasive analysis of tumor metabolism and physiology.
Peering inside a blood vessel
Dr. Alan Wilman is developing a new MRI technique that provides highly detailed images of blood vessels, allowing doctors to diagnose conditions like heart attacks and strokes earlier. His goal is to create a safer and cheaper alternative that can help prevent deaths by aiding in early diagnosis.
Combined imaging techniques best identify plaque in the aorta
A new imaging technique combining transesophageal magnetic resonance (TE MRI) with standard cardiac MRI provides better views of plaque buildup in the aorta. The combined approach revealed more detailed images of plaque thickness, area, and volume than individual techniques, showing promise for improved diagnosis.
Age-related changes in the brain's white matter affect cognitive function in old age
Researchers studied adults whose cognitive abilities were first tested at 11 and found that brain white-matter abnormalities made a significant contribution to general cognitive ability differences in old age. Early IQ scores also played a role, but independently of each other.
Cardiac MRI finds small areas of heart cell death missed by nuclear imaging techniques
Researchers found that cardiac MRI technology can detect small areas of heart muscle death that are missed by traditional nuclear imaging techniques like SPECT. This is important because these microinfarcts can be early indicators of future severe heart problems.
NIH study shows MRI provides faster, more accurate way to diagnose heart attacks
Researchers found that MRI accurately diagnosed acute coronary syndrome in 84% of patients, outperforming traditional tests like EKG and blood enzyme test. MRI detected all patients' heart attacks, even those with normal EKGs, and identified more patients with unstable angina.
Whole-body 18F-FDG PET significantly impacts patient management/radiation therapy
The study found that whole-body 18F-FDG PET scanning resulted in a change in treatment plans for 55 patients, avoiding unnecessary irradiation and treatment costs. PET scans also detected previously undiagnosed distant metastases in some cases, sparing patients from futile radiation therapy.
'Stippling' speeds 3-D computer imaging
Engineers at Purdue University have created a new kind of computer-imaging software that uses stippling to quickly produce complex pictures of internal organs and other renderings. The method is 10 times faster than some conventional methods, enabling real-time previewing of medical images.
Visualising potential outcome of cancer treatment
Researchers used Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DWMRI) to visualize and measure water characteristics in mouse tumors before and after chemotherapy. They found a significant correlation between water diffusion properties prior to treatment and subsequent tumor growth rate.
MRI can predict risk of heart attacks
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that MRI stress tests can predict fatal and nonfatal heart attacks in patients with certain conditions. The study used MRI stress tests on 279 men and women referred for further testing after initial ultrasound screenings were inconclusive.
UK researchers develop novel treatment for fibroids
Researchers have developed a new treatment for fibroids using a combination of lasers and MRI, which has shown promising results in reducing fibroid volume and improving symptoms. The treatment has the potential to be an alternative to traditional surgery for selected patients, particularly those wishing to preserve their fertility.
Research reveals a more complete picture of breast tissue
The Dartmouth team is learning about breast tissue structure and behavior using magnetic resonance elastography, electrical impedance spectral imaging, microwave imaging spectroscopy, and near infrared spectral imaging. By combining these four techniques, they aim to provide a more complete picture of normal and abnormal breast tissue.
Mayo Clinic researchers develop a new imaging test for diagnosing breast cancer
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new imaging test for diagnosing breast cancer using the MR elastography technique, which provides data on tissue stiffness. This technology has shown promising results in detecting breast cancer with high accuracy and may reduce the need for biopsies.
Source of physical performance found in brain
New research reveals that brain activity associated with performing motor skills is separate from the process of learning those skills. The study, conducted by Dr. James Ashe and colleagues, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain activity in the cerebellum during performance of learned motor skills.
MRI brain scan may detect Alzheimer's disease decades before first symptoms
Researchers have discovered that MRI scans can identify individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease decades in advance. The study used postmortem brain scans to show that shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key region affected by the disease, occurs early on.
Buffalo neuroimaging researchers studying multiple sclerosis from inside human brain
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center are providing new insights into multiple sclerosis using advanced MRI brain imaging methods. They have found that the brain's gray matter, where higher functioning is centered, is involved in MS and has identified a potential target for treatment.
Helium imaging detects emphysema changes in smallest airways of lung
Researchers use helium-3 diffusion MRI to detect emphysema changes in the smallest airways of the lung. The technique reveals enlarged air spaces that allow helium atoms to move freely, enabling the visualization of lung structure at a scale too small for traditional imaging methods.
Daniel Freedman wins NSF CAREER Award
Freedman will develop general-purpose algorithms to track objects with varied properties using conventional cameras and MRIs. His work aims to improve surveillance and MRI technology, solving current problems such as object blocking and multi-property tracking.
Digital 'Visible Mice' will speed study of genetic disease
The new technology uses magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) to produce 3-D images of mice at unprecedented resolution, revolutionizing the use of mouse models in understanding human disease. Digital 'Visible Mice' will enable researchers to share and analyze animals electronically, facilitating collaboration across distances.
More accurate digital tunes, images may result from new mathematical theory
A new mathematical theory developed by Vanderbilt University professors can produce more accurate digital representations of complex signals, overcoming limitations of current methods. This has significant applications in areas such as music, photography, medical imaging, astronomy, geophysics, and communications.
Magnetic tag lets scientists track stem cells in living rat
Researchers successfully tracked stem cells implanted into a living rat using a magnetic resonance imaging technique, marking an important breakthrough. The iron-laden cells create a magnetic black hole easily spotted by MRI, allowing scientists to monitor the cells' behavior and movement without tissue removal.
Radio frequency energy zaps tumors without surgery
Researchers have successfully treated kidney tumors using radio frequency energy, achieving a 91% tumor ablation rate and no cancer recurrences in 9 of 11 patients. The minimally invasive procedure is less expensive, safer, and easier than surgery.