MRI

Researchers in the U.K. have found that an ultrasound-guided steroid and anesthetic injection can alleviate the pain and disability affecting soccer players with posterior ankle impingement. The minimally invasive treatment could help players recover pain-free mobility and return to the pitch sooner than conventional treatment would allow.

The June 2006 edition of the Health Devices journal by ECRI, an independent nonprofit health services research agency, contains an in-depth evaluation of 1.5T MR systems. The evaluation included GE’s Signa HD 1.5T, Siemens’ Magnetom Avanto, and Toshiba’s Vantage (the other major supplier of 1.5T systems, Philips, declined the invitation).

The FDA is advising caution in the use of gadolinium contrast agents with MRI in patients with advanced kidney failure.

PET can identify the brain receptors most vulnerable to nicotine absorption, measuring how just a single cigarette puff can drive the desire for smoking, according to National Institute on Drug Abuse researchers. Resulting data may lead to more effective treatments to help smokers quit.

In the first study in its kind, Japanese researchers have shown that MR imaging before and after contrast medium injection provides an accurate evaluation of articular cartilage repair. The technique could become an effective way to monitor treatment in this setting.

Various hemostatic vascular clips, other types of clips, fasteners, and staples evaluated for magnetic field interactions have been found to be acceptable for patients undergoing MR imaging procedures at 1.5T or less. These implants are made from nonferromagnetic materials such as tantalum, nitinol, and titanium. Some hemostatic and other similar clips are made from biodegradable materials, which do not pose a hazard to patients.

Researchers weigh alternatives while they search for optimal ferric material

Researchers focusing on various image-guided methods also evaluate quality of embolizing particles

Human immunodeficiency virus infection results in a wide spectrum of inflammatory, rheumatic, and neoplastic conditions

Exploiting signal-to-noise advantages of high field strength scanners proves key to making inroads and overcoming shortcomings

64-slice and dual-source scanners are improving visualization of coronary anatomy in patients

MR spectroscopy imaging is highly accurate for early detection of prostate cancer in asymptomatic patients, with 87% sensitivity and 93% specificity, according to new research from Spain.

Blood volume measurement and diffusion tensor imaging differentiate among tumor types

MR elastography could provide noninvasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis, according to researchers in Belgium and Minnesota. The technique could lead to earlier detection in patients at risk and reduce the need for biopsy.

Functional MRI can differentiate between people who experience substantial dread of adverse experiences and those who don't, according to a study released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Three-D intraluminal views based on CT or MRI data sets could avoid need for conventional angiography or intravascular ultrasound

Other studies confirm value of vertebroplasty, show growing influence of diffusion tensor imaging

Elastography is attracting growing attention in prostate imaging. The term refers to the measurement of the elastic properties of tissues, based on the well-established principle that malignant tissue is harder than benign tissue. A color classification system registers tissue as benign (green) or malignant (blue).

Dutch hospital demonstrates repeatable accuracy of USPIO-based protocol on metastastic lesions

Most 3T MR systems are sold to university hospitals and research facilities, and relatively few go to private practices.

Parallel imaging and a 32-channel coil help modality gain the upper hand over FDG-PET/CT

The emerging therapy of islet transplantation has shown great promise for diabetes patients.

CONTEXT: Combining proton MR spectroscopic imaging, sodium MR, and PET/CT imaging may be an effective multimodality approach for detecting early response to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, according to Dr. Michael Jacobs, a radiologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Two top meetings showcase MI progress, while investment in basic sciences soars

Most benign lesions considered unspecific on ultrasound or CT can be identified with great confidence on MRI

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has published four standards that are part of a series of test standards developed by the medical diagnostic imaging industry for the measurement of performance parameters, such as noise levels, energy deposition, and electric field strength, that govern image quality of MRI systems.

Most infected individuals remain asymptomatic carriers, but hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis can be associated with serious complications

After 19 years in a minimally conscious state, a man recovered language and motor function. Diffusion tensor MR imaging showed reorganization of the patient’s brain white matter that could have facilitated functional recovery.

Diffusion tensor MR imaging, which depicts the displacement of water molecules through tissue, can visualize changes to ischemic brain white matter in infants at least two to three hours before conventional MRI can document changes, according to a study in the July issue of Radiology.

What music inspires a Nobel Laureate? The answer: Gustav Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, Bedrich Smetena’s Ma Vlast (My Country), Charles Trenet’s La Mer, Perry Como’s Magic Moments, and William Walton’s Coronation March.