Since 1977, when the MRI was invented, it has become a huge resource if clinical radiology. It has help identify millions of health issues around the world; however, there has been a problem with the MRI suffering from low sensitivity. This can be fixed by giving injections to patients containing potentially toxic agents. The MRI operates by aligning the hydrogen atoms in the body because they are susceptible to magnetic fields that the MRI produces. It can generate a magnetic field that can potentially be 40,000 times more powerful than the Earth’s. Researchers from EPFL have recently found a way to get high spatial and temporal resolution MRI using a compound from the body that is naturally produced and completely safe for patients. The toxic agent that is now injected requires the use of highly reactive chemicals called persistent radicals. These require a lot of pharmacological tests because of the possible risk it can cause the patients. Amaud Comment led a research team that found that, “high resolution in contrast-enhanced MRI can still be achieved with pyruvic acid, and organic chemical that occurs naturally in the body as a result of glucose breakdown, without the need of persistent radicals”. They believe that this is a huge step forward towards radiology free of side effects.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131021153206.htm
Submitted by: Katherine Hennigan
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This could be very helpful and instrumental in the future and medical aid. With better knowledge and functionality, MRI's can really make a better difference with head trauma and disease.
ReplyDeleteChris Schroeder