MRI has come a long way since one of its earliest iterations was used to image humans in the 1970s. Since then, the modality has helped reveal the brain's structural and functional activity and the effects of life-threatening events such as stroke. It has also improved the diagnosis of cancer, played a leading role in identifying musculoskeletal injuries, and added value as an adjunctive breast imaging modality.
At this year's RSNA meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about MRI's research and clinical "edges" as presenters from around the world report on study findings across a range of topics. Some themes for the modality at the conference will include research on its use at both ultralow and ultrahigh field strengths (0.064-tesla and 7-tesla), for imaging brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorder, for exploring the effects of socioeconomic and demographic factors on individuals' health, and for how MRI contributes not only to the diagnosis and management of cancer but also to the assessment of treatment success.
Expect spirited discussion about AI and MRI in a variety of educational courses during which presenters will explore the use of the technology with MRI for cardiac, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, prostate, and pediatric applications (don't miss the "hot topic" session called "FAST MRI Imaging: Imaging with the Wiggles"). The RSNA is also offering interactive sessions such as a master class in multidisciplinary management of gliomas, an update on ischemic stroke imaging and treatment, and a "pearls and pitfalls" primer about breast cancer diagnosis with MRI.
For more information on the presentations we're highlighting below and other abstracts, take a look at the RSNA 2024 meeting program.
A combined MRI/ultrasound model improves breast disease detection
Sunday, December 1 | 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | S3A-SPBR-7 | Learning Center
Compared with ultrasound or MRI used alone to diagnose breast diseases, a combined model of both modalities based on radiomics more accurately identifies breast conditions, according to a poster to be displayed Sunday morning.
Socioeconomic disadvantage affects children's brains
Sunday, December 1 | 1:50 p.m.-2:00 p.m. | S4-SSNR01-6 | Room S401
MRI shows that children at socioeconomic disadvantage have relatively high levels of white-matter microstructural integrity in prepuberty -- although this erodes by the time these children are 13 or 14, according to study results to be presented on Sunday.
Is patient age linked to multiple sclerosis lesion outcomes?
Monday, December 2 | 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | M2-SPNR-9 | Learning Center
Is patient age linked to multiple sclerosis lesion outcomes? Research to be presented Monday morning has found that it is.
Ultralow-field MRI shows promise for acute ischemic stroke diagnosis
Monday, December 2 | 9:40 a.m.-9:50 a.m. | M3-SSNR04-2 | S406B
Portable, ultralow-field MRI shows promise to facilitate diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke -- but reader training is needed, research to be presented on Monday morning suggests.
Diffusion MRI can help track multiple sclerosis disability progression
Monday, December 2 | 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. | M5A-SPNR-11 | Learning Center
Diffusion MRI is a clinically feasible method for monitoring disease progression in multiple sclerosis patients, a team from NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City has found.
How useful is AI for detecting critical brain imaging findings on MRI?
Tuesday, December 3 | 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | T2-SPNR-4 | Learning Center
How useful is AI for detecting critical brain imaging findings on MRI? It's on par with neuroradiologist readers -- and thus could prompt appropriate further imaging and reduce callbacks, according to a poster to be highlighted Tuesday morning.
MRI illuminates cerebral blood flow differences in autism patients
Tuesday, December 3 | 9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | T2-SPNR-12 | Learning Center
MRI illuminates alterations in cerebral blood flow in children with autism spectrum disorder compared to neurotypical children, Italian researchers have found.
Musculoskeletal infection reporting system improves MRI classification
Tuesday, December 3 | 10:20 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | T3-SSMK05-6 | Room E353B
A musculoskeletal infection reporting and data system (MSKI-RADS) is a reliable way to standardize report terms and manage imaging findings of peripheral extremity infections, according to research that will be presented Tuesday morning.
Team conducts efficacy study of rectal contrast gel for pelvis MRI
Wednesday, December 4 | 1:30 p.m.-1:40 p.m. | W6-SSOB03-1 | Room S402
Conversation is brewing about prep for MRI pelvis in evaluating endometriosis in the bowel, according to this scientific session.
DL model analyzes multisequence MRI to identify endometriosis
Wednesday, December 4 | 1:40 p.m.-1:50 p.m. | W6-SSOB03-2 | Room S402
This scientific study is said to be the first deep-learning (DL) model to use multisequence MRI on a large cohort for identifying endometriosis.
Machine learning plus MRI predicts breast cancer treatment response
Wednesday, December 4 | 3:40 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. | W7-SSBR09-5 | Room S406A
The combination of a machine learning model based on clinical data with pre-treatment MRI morphologic and radiomic data improves prediction of treatment response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, French researchers have reported.
AI shows promise for characterizing gliomas on preoperative MRI
Thursday, December 5 | 2:20 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | R6-SSNR16-6 | Room S406B
AI shows promise for characterizing brain tumor subtypes found on preoperative MR imaging, according to research to be shared with attendees on Thursday afternoon.