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Posts Tagged ‘Magnetic Resonance Imaging’

The tremendous scope the non-invasive MRI technology has, is not new to any; let us take a quick peek, again, but then, for more detailed versions, in the coming year!

 

For people in the healthcare sector, the term MRI Scans or MRI Scanning (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan) is not at all new; when the healthcare sector is growing like anything, with new booming technologies, for care and treatment, MRI screening definitely is preferred more than others of the slot (CT, X-Ray), to keep patients away from ionizing radiation effects.

And then, those who joined late, about the technology (during MRI screening), nuclear magnetic resonance/reverberations are being used to create two-dimensional/three-dimensional proton-density images, to visualize internal body structures, viz. muscles, bones, organs etc.

Well, we all know the power of magnet, and then superconducting magnets in MRI scanners are quite common, for various medical applications; gone are the days, when without knowing the main cause of diseases in people, the treatments were used to be given, and the results then were increased death rate; but, with the emerging need of the market, and with the upsurge of imaging technology, various medical imaging approaches in Radiology definitely have given a sign of hope for the patients, for early detection of disorders/diseases that patients are being affected with.

Be it human anatomy, or physiology, the non-invasive MRI scanning definitely helps; whether an MRI scan head/brain, knee, or MRI scan breast – everything is safe with/for a patient, with ‘no-ionizing’ radiations, involved.

Yes, be it for a complex human brain anatomy, ultra-high field MRI scan is always there, for subtle brain details; MRI scan brain – is common for patients with the following – dizziness, hearing loss, headaches etc.

And then, about MRI scan knee – for knee pain/osteoarthritis, joint injuries, and more; but, then, prior any MRI scan, you definitely will be checked for electronic devices/implants and other ferromagnetic devices, due to the super-conducting magnets, and associated electronic-magnetic fields.

The topic about magnetic resonance imaging MRI Scan Technology can never end, as we know well about the scope the domain has, in the healthcare sector.

So, stay tuned for more on MRI scans, and everything related with the magnetic resonance imaging technology!

MRI is an imaging approach, where strong radio-waves/magnetic fields are used for cross-sectional imaging of internal body structures and organs.

 

MRI scan is feasible for innumerable medical conditions, viz. cysts, tumors in various body parts; joint irregularities and injuries; abnormalities of the brain/spinal cord; liver/abdominal organs, uterine abnormalities etc.

Besides, magnetic resonance imaging is even practicable for images of heart, when it is beating; both moving and still images of the heart/blood vessels are possible through the process.

In comparison to a CT scan, or X-ray imaging – an MRI scan does not involve ionizing radiation; contrast agents – magnetically active constituents are often used for to show abnormalities/internal body structures, in a more distinct manner.

Cardiac MRI is often performed for function and structure of the heart, in a patient, for cardiac disorders/irregularities; patients with cardiac tumors, heart failure, or that have heart valve disease/congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease and related are diagnosed/assessed through cardiac MRI sequences.

During cardiac MRI, contrast agent is used for to enhance visibility of heart/blood vessels; people with kidney/liver disorders are kept away from using a contrast agent, to avoid complications.

For different types and brands of MRI machines from equipment manufacturers/suppliers for cardiac applications and related, stay connected with MedicExchange!

Have an insight, for how strong radio-waves and magnetic fields have transformed the healthcare sector, for the diagnostic approach!

 

Magnetic resonance imaging, or well known as MRI is a diagnostic imaging approach, where strong radio-waves and magnetic fields are being utilized for cross-sectional imaging of internal body structures and organs.

Magnetic properties and water content of specific regions of the body vary, and this show effect on the signal identified by an MRI equipment, during the process; this facilitates for to differentiate varied tissues/substances from each other, in the image.

Magnetic resonance imaging is feasible for ‘diverse’ information about body structures that can be acquired through the following – computed tomography, ultrasound or an x-ray; as examination of a joint over MRI facilitates for detailed visualization of cartilage and ligaments that are not plausible through other diagnostic approaches.

Contrast agents – magnetically active constituents are often utilized for to demonstrate irregularities/internal body structures, in a more distinct manner; contrast agents can be grave for patients with kidney disorders.

In majority of the MRI equipment, electric current is allowed through coiled wires for transitory magnetic field about the body of the patient; open MRI devices use invariable magnets.

A receiver/transmitter in the device sends off and receives radio-waves; the signals are put in use for digital images, of regions under study.

Magnetic resonance imaging is practicable for plethora of medical conditions, viz. cysts, tumors and irregularities in varied body parts; joint abnormalities and injuries; specific type of heart issues; irregularities of spinal cord and the brain; disorders of liver/abdominal organs; reasons of pelvic pain, specially in women, like in case of endometriosis and fibroids; and, for varied uterine abnormalities, in women with sterility issues.

Different from a computed tomography or an x-ray approach – magnetic resonance imaging does not involve high-energy radiation, which could show adverse effect on DNA, the genetic information carrier.

No fallouts of MRI scan is known yet, with the temporal exposition to the strong magnetic field; contrast agents used during the process can cause allergic reactions to the patients, under study.

Due to magnetic field generated by the equipment – chances are there that artificial limbs, pacemakers and other fixed devices (that comprise metal) stop functioning, in an appropriate manner; for the same reason, MR-compatible devices are suggested always for an MRI setting.

Other than skin burns through medication patches, and lead wires carelessly placed for an ECG – patient risks associated with the MRI technology is scarce; long-run exposure to the waves can inconsiderably warm the body of the patient.

For more on the MR Imaging technology, and healthcare blog, stay connected with MedicExchange!

Epstein-Barr virus in an immunocompetent patient can show with diffuse/reversible brain white matter participation in severe mononucleosis;

Negative diffusion weighted imaging sequence is related with a fair improvement in grave EBV central nervous system contamination.

The medical research was contributed by: Paola Di Carlo (Dipartimento di Scienze per la Promozione della Salute, Università di Palermo, Italy) and associates. (Courtesy: BioMed Central)

Epstein-Barr virus (Epstein-Barr virus) – a herpes virus, causes infectious mononucleosis, an irregular high rate of monocytes in the blood. The central nervous system can unfavorably get affected through this virus, viz. in case of meningitis, acute encephalitis, demyelinating disease, acute cerebellar ataxia etc.

An MRI scan facilitates for small/multiple central nervous system lesions, more precisely – for swift diagnosis and therapeutic approaches; diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) is feasible more for the lesions than FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) imaging or T2W.

The study covers the case of an immunocompetent patient with EBV encephalitis; DWI executed at the acute phase was normal, though fast spin echo T2 image demonstrated diffuse intensity developments in the white matter; the augmentation pattern proposed an inflammatory response confined to the brain microcirculation.

Following therapies were directed: corticosteroid and acyclovir; after a period of 3 weeks, signal intensities gained normalcy, and patient demonstrated clinical recovery.

Conclusion: Epstein-Barr virus in an immunocompetent patient can show with diffuse/reversible brain white matter implication in severe mononucleosis; negative diffusion weighted imaging sequence is related with a fair improvement in grave EBV central nervous system contamination. Further study is required for data to discern viral lesions from other reasons, in the acute phase of disorder.

Advanced MR imaging is feasible for elusive developments in joint cartilage microstructure, for key markers of early osteoarthritis (OA), corroborates medical researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center’s Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Radiology.

 

The study is available in the July publication of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Through these methods, on examination for identification of OA earlier, doctors can opt from eventual joint reconstruction to long-term preservation, for management of the disease.

Lead author, Laith Jazrawi (MD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery) said, imaging technology is powerful and delicate for elusive changes in complex balance of water, chondrocytes/collagen fibers and protein molecules, which make up joint cartilage, and is feasible for indication to future OA.

With increased trend of joint pain/arthralgia, amongst growing population, researchers felt the possibility to bring these imaging techniques for the advantage of patients, from the labs.

Conventional MR imaging is the standard approach to evaluate quality of cartilage in patients with arthralgia, or noted arthritis that concentrates on morphological entirety of the cartilage, and in the lab – orthopedic surgeons, rheumatologists and radiologists have, in sync, utilized biochemical imaging methods and MRI to evaluate cartilage affected by OA.

Injured cartilage demonstrates obvious changes in subsequent: micro/macro-structure of collagen, concentration of water & collagen molecules, and specific proteins.

The results support utilization of MRI methods in assessment of younger patients with joint pain, to recognize the onset of OA, for prior treatment, to keep a check on the disease.

On the concluding note, Michael P. Recht (MD, Louise Marx, professor of radiology and chairman of the Department of Radiology) said, the optimization/development of MRI techniques have unearthed new opportunities for better understanding and treatment of arthritis, prior irrevocable morphological and structural shift has occurred.

How well your MRI unit is braced up for basic and specialized scans?

 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a type of tomography, where proton density images (2D/3D) are generated through with nuclear magnetic resonance/reverberations, for detailed visualization of internal structures of the body, viz. organs, bones, muscles etc.

The MRI technology does not utilize ionizing radiation, similar to CT scan, or X-ray devices; an MRI scan is extensively used for detailed examination of brain/spinal cord; quantitative diffusion weighted MR imaging is feasible for patients with low grade ductal carcinoma in citu, with high specificity; multiparametric MRI procedure which encompasses DWI provides for a sensitive method, to discover local recurrence of tumor after high dose rate brachytherapy, through with radioactive implants.

On the other, MR enterography demonstrates well than computed tomography in pediatric Crohn’s disease, for intestinal abnormalities, and for characteristic manifestation of extraintestinal disorders. Besides, a recent study even corroborated about MR neurography, after failed tarsal tunnel release, for accurate morphologic data about the spread and location of nerve injury, for pre-operative diagnosis and assessment.

Being a start-up unit, if your care facility is devoid of high-tech MRI machines, then do not let this shortage affect your productivity/efficiency, by any means. Get hold, through MedicExchange varied new and used MRI equipment from MRI Companies, at ease, for diverse: brain/head, cardiac, breast, spine, knee, shoulder MRI procedures etc.

Besides, if you are a veterinarian, get to streamline your workspace with various veterinary MRI scanners, available through us, to provide better treatment and care.

For varied MRI CME courses, training programs and related, we request you to stay equipped with MedicExchange!

The patient friendly MRI has transformed the way, care and treatment is provided to patients; get to read, why MRI is different!

 

MRI scanner

Magnetic resonance imaging is a type of tomography/imaging technique that utilizes nuclear magnetic reverberations for to generate proton density images – 2D and 3D, for visualization of thorough internal structures of the body, viz. bones, muscles, organs etc.

It does not make use of ionizing radiation, as that of CT or X-ray scans, for the process; MR imaging is secure for patients; quantitative diffusion weighted imaging has been found effective for patients with low grade ductal carcinoma in citu, with high specificity, as this approach is feasible to keep the patients away from axillary lymph node excision/mastectomy.

Healthcare organizations across the globe utilize MR imaging technology for to image regions of head/central nervous system, for regions affected by stroke that are unable through computed tomography. Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR imaging show similar effect as that to contrast enhanced computed tomography for patients with pancreatic carcinoma; multiparametric MRI procedure facilitates for to discover local recurrence of tumor after high dose rate brachytherapy.

MRI technology is not limited to work out only on these conditions, as the scope is unlimited; healthcare organizations that are unable for new and pricey MRI systems, should not worry, as there are companies that deal in used/refurbished MRI equipment, which they can utilize for varied MR guided procedures, to work on cancers, cysts, and other grave medical conditions.

Get across MedicExchange to satisfy varied requirements that you have of MRI scanners (1.5T, 3T etc.), anesthesia machines, parts & disposables, and all to restructure your care facility, for better patient outcomes.

Voxelwise evaluation of DT MR index irregularities is a payable strategy for to comprehend the heterogeneity of clinical MS phenotypes/traits.

 

The medical research study was conducted by Paolo Preziosa, MD; Maria A. Rocca, MD; Sarlota Mesaros, MD; Elisabetta Pagani, MD; Tatjana Stosic-Opincal, MD; Katarina Kacar, MD; Martina Absinta, MD; Domenico Caputo, MD; Jelena Drulovic, MD; Giancarlo Comi, MD and Massimo Filippi, MD from the Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience; and Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University Hospital, Milan, Italy; Clinics of Neurology and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; and Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy. (Courtesy: RSNA Journal)

The research objective was to voxelwise (volumetic picture element) analyze diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography and T2 weighted MR lesion measurements to distinguish inherent injury to the brain white matter tracts, and the association of it to the location/existence of focal lesions amid main phenotypes/traits of multiple sclerosis.

Dual echo (brain) and diffusion tensor MR images were gathered for about 172 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and other healthy/controlled subjects; probability maps (for technical analysis) of major brain white matter tracts were generated; equations amongst groups were evaluated through with covariance analysis.

Of results, in contrast to healthy/controlled subjects, patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) had considerably enhanced diffusivity – axial, mean and radial, in most of white matter tracts. The preliminary advanced multiple sclerosis group demonstrated diffuse increased activities in radial, mean and axial diffusivity, with fractional anisotropy damage including greater number of white matter tracts.

No pertinent variation in diffusivity measures was established amid relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and CIS groups; in contrast to benign multiple sclerosis group, the relapsing remitting MS group had lessened fractional anisotropy values in all brain white matter tracts, and lowered axial diffusivity in most of tracts. In case of secondary progressive group, for multiple sclerosis – it had proclaimed damage to most of tracts, and in analogy with benign MS group, proclaimed fractional anisotropy variation of the tracts pertinent, for motor impairment.

Conclusion: voxelwise evaluation of DT MR index irregularities is a payable strategy for to comprehend the heterogeneity of clinical MS phenotypes/traits.

Primary outcomes propose that quantitative diffusion weighted imaging could be used for low grade ductal carcinoma in citu, with high specificity.

 

The medical research study was conducted by Mami Iima, MD; Denis Le Bihan, MD, PhD; Ryosuke Okumura, MD, PhD; Tomohisa Okada, MD, PhD; Koji Fujimoto, MD, PhD; Shotaro Kanao, MD; Shiro Tanaka, PhD; Masakazu Fujimoto, MD; Hiromi Sakashita, MD, PhD and Kaori Togashi, MD, PhD from the Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine and Human Brain Research Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Departments of Radiology and Pathology, Kitano Hospital, Osaka, Japan; Neurospin, CEA-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; and Translational Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan. (Courtesy: RSNA Journal)

The study objective was to assess the possibilities of apparent diffusion coefficients acquired at quantitative diffusion weighted MRI of the breast, as a biological marker of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ.

About 22 women with mean age of 56.4 years with pure ductal carcinoma in situ/breast cancer (cases were comprised of low, intermediate and high grade cancers), and others with microinvasion (in situ carcinoma) passed through 1.5T breast MRI during year 2008-2010; the examination comprised subsequent: contrast enhanced T1-weighted imaging and diffusion weighted imaging; apparent diffusion coefficients were produced out, and its distributions (region of interest) were equated amongst three grades through with linear mixed models, and the preferential power of the lesion minimum ADC was established with ROC curve analysis.

Of results, the mean ADC for low, intermediate and high grade DCIs and normal breast tissues were collated; mean ADCs for low-grade DCIs were considerably higher than that for the same of high and intermediate grade DCIs; mean ADC for normal tissues was substantially higher than low grade DCIs. The lesion minimum apparent diffusion coefficient for low grade ductal carcinoma in situ was even considerably higher than that for high and intermediate grade DCIs.

Conclusion: primary outcomes propose that quantitative DW-MR imaging could be well utilized for to detect patients with low grade ductal carcinoma in citu, with high specificity; through after confirmation of the results, the approach shows good promise to patients, to keep away from axillary lymph node excision/mastectomy.

Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MR imaging has similar effect to contrast enhanced CT, and is more sensitive for depiction of pancreatic carcinoma, in patients.

 

The medical research study is done by Utaroh Motosugi, MD, PhD; Tomoaki Ichikawa, MD, PhD; Hiroyuki Morisaka, MD; Hironobu Sou, MD; Ali Muhi, MBChB, PhD; Kazufumi Kimura, MD; Katsuhiro Sano, MD, PhD and Tsutomu Araki, MD, PhD from the Department of Radiology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan. (Courtesy: RSNA Journal)

The research objective was to equate within contrast enhanced multidetector computed tomography and gadoxetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, for detection of liver metastases and pancreatic carcinoma.

The study encompassed about 100 patients, inclusive of men and women with mean age of 67.8 years; of this, about 54 subjects were confirmed pathologically of pancreatic carcinoma, and 46 without a pancreatic lesion; 62 liver metastases, in about 15 subjects with pancreatic carcinoma were identified out through multi-modality evaluation/pathological tests.

Through with independent blind comparison, readers translated MR images (T1-T2 weighted, gadoxetic acid/contrast medium enhanced dynamic/hepatocyte phase) and contrast enhanced CT images, and rated them for existence/absence of liver metastasis and pancreatic carcinoma, individually, over the base of patients and lesions.

Through with Fisher test, McNemar test and ROC curve analysis, diagnostic performance of both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were equated by.

Of results, no considerable deviation was established amongst MR and CT images, in delineating pancreatic carcinoma; magnetic resonance imaging was found more sensitive in to depict liver metastasis, in contrast to computed tomography, for most of the observations.

Conclusion: Gadoxetic acid/contrast medium assisted MR imaging has similar effect to contrast enhanced computed tomography, in to delineate pancreatic carcinoma, and showed more sensitivity for liver metastases.