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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 11h

Integrated 3D MR #Neurography: Innovations for Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Imaging by Dr. Joon-Yong Jung, et al. (Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital). Adressing 3D MRN techniques and technical challenges: 🔗 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/7c5c468cba3a... #RadSky #MRI #Neurosky #Radiology

Integrated Three-Dimensional MR Neurography: Innovations for Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Imaging by Seungeun Lee, MD; Joon-Yong Jung, MD, PhD; et al. (Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea).

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has become an important imaging technique for the comprehensive evaluation of plexus and peripheral nerve disorders.
The clinical utility of MRN depends on three fundamental technical requirements:
(1) high spatial resolution,
(2) homogeneous fat suppression, and
(3) effective vascular suppression.

This article reviews integrated 3D MR neurography techniques and addresses technical challenges.
The SPACE sequence incorporates advanced acceleration (DL CS CAIPI), fat suppression (C-FOCI, f-Dixon), and vascular suppression (MSDE, DANTE).
In addition, DESS with deep learning reconstruction provides complementary imaging capabilities.
The authors present practical protocol implementations and clinical applications designed to optimize imaging quality for plexus and peripheral nerve evaluation.

A special shout-out to Hyun-Soo Lee (MR Research Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers, Seoul, Republic of Korea) for supporting this work.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Dr Sebastian Altmann, et al. (@unimainz.bsky.social) share their workflow for 6-months to 6-year-old patients, practical recommendations, and their 1.5T & 3T protocols (exar1 & PDF). www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #NeuroSky #RadSky #Pediatrics #AI #MRI

magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com

Ultra-Fast Pediatric Brain MRI for Toddlers and Young Children Using Deep Learning Acceleration

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Practical abbreviated breast #MRI for screening by Prof Ritse Mann. At @radboudumc.bsky.social the ~ 8-minute abMRI protocol enables 3 patients/hour — or 4 if DWI is omitted. ⬇️ Protocol (exar1): www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #EUSOBI2026 #BreastMRI #abMRI #RadSky

With EUSOBI bringing the breast imaging community together in Maastricht, here is a practical abbreviated breast MRI protocol from the Radboud University Medical Center, shared by Ritse Mann and Lejla Kočo (Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands / Netherlands Cancer Institute (Antoni van Leeuwenhoek), Amsterdam, The Netherlands).

At the Radboud University Medical Center, different MRI protocols are used for breast imaging depending on the purpose:
🕒 ~ 20-minute MRI protocol for diagnostic imaging
⏱️ ~ 8-minute abbreviated MRI (abMRI) protocol for screening

The motivation for implementing abbreviated breast MR imaging (abMRI) at the Radboud was to increase cost-effectiveness.
The aim was to scan more women within the same timeframe with MRI, potentially increasing access to MRI screening while reducing the time women had to spend inside the MRI scanner. Which may be particularly relevant for women experiencing anxiety or claustrophobia or having difficulty lying still.

With the abbreviated MRI protocol, three patients can be scanned per hour. If DWI is omitted, four patients per hour are possible.
Another important benefit is that the MRI scanner is almost continuously in use.

⬇️ Download the imaging protocol (.exar1 and PDF) for 3T MAGNETOM Prisma fit and 3T MAGNETOM Vida Fit and
💡 read tips & tricks here: https://www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-corner/protocols/breast-mri/abbreviated-breast-mr-protocol

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

FAPI PET/MRI in #Endometriosis: A Practical Approach to Mapping Complex Disease Beyond Standard Pelvic #MRI by Philipp Schindler, MD; et al. (University Hospital Münster, Germany). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/cf033a2cd7b6... #PETMRI #MolecularImaging #RadSky #WomensHealth

Although endometriosis is often described as a pelvic disease, daily practice shows that the questions relevant to patients and surgeons are broader:
- Where is the active disease?
- Which organs or compartments are involved?
- Which lesions could change the operative strategy?

The authors share their experience with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted PET/MRI, showing how molecular information can provide a practical guide for MRI interpretation, particularly in anatomically challenging areas.

Clinical benefit:
Better visualization of complex, multifocal, peritoneal, tubo-ovarian, and extrapelvic diseases, which may improve preoperative planning and patient counseling.

Operational benefit:
An MRI-first, PET-guided second read can translate molecular hot spots into a structured, #Enzian-based map for the multidisciplinary team.

Financial and societal perspective:
Earlier and more targeted diagnoses could reduce the need for repeated consultations, duplicate tests, unnecessary procedures, and lost productivity in a disease that is often not diagnosed until years after the onset of symptoms.

Images: Patient presenting with menstrual cycle-dependent right shoulder pain.
(2A) MIP PET images demonstrate abnormal tracer uptake in the right diaphragm, bilateral round ligaments, the peritoneum surrounding both ovaries, and the left fallopian tube (indicated by arrows).
On fused PET/MRI, a T2-hyperintense lesion with focal tracer uptake is identified inferior to the right hemidiaphragm, consistent with diaphragmatic endometriosis (arrows, 2B).
Subsequent laparoscopy confirmed extensive pelvic endometriosis and diaphragmatic implants (2C).

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Imaging Aortic Dissections and Aneurysms with #MRI: The Clinical Value of Advanced Angiography and 4D Flow Sequences by Dr. Alain Lalande, et al. (Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France). 🔗 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/6758197e107d... #CardioSky #MRA #4DFlowMRI #CMR #WhyCMR

The combination of CS-accelerated MRA and 4D flow MRI offers a comprehensive approach to the imaging of complex aortic diseases, both for initial assessment and longitudinal follow-up.
Compared to conventional contrast-enhanced MRA, the native angiographic sequence offers several advantages:
- high signal-to-noise ratio
- excellent lumen-to-wall contrast
- no requirement for gadolinium-based contrast agents
- free-breathing acquisition
- high isotropic spatial resolution

The addition of 4D flow MRI with multi-VENC acquisition further extends the diagnostic value of the examination. Beyond flow visualization, this sequence supports the quantification of biomechanical parameters such as wall shear stress (WSS) — biomarkers for predicting aneurysmal progression and guiding personalized surgical decision-making.

Combined with deep learning-based automatic segmentation, these two sequences open the door to an integrated workflow, from morphological assessment to hemodynamic quantification and WSS mapping, within a single, clinically feasible examination.

From a practical standpoint, the use of CS reduces the mean acquisition time to approximately 5 to 7 minutes per sequence, potentially improving both patient comfort and robustness to motion.

Shout-out and thank you to the co-authors: Olivier Bouchot, You Zhou (Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France), Marylène Delcey, Daniel Giese, Ning Jin (Siemens Healthineers)

📌 Work in progress. The application is still under development and not commercially available. Its future availability cannot be ensured.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

With the #ISMRM Workshop on #MSK #MRI taking place in Boston, I'd like to highlight “High-Resolution Imaging of the Hip Joint in the Age of Deep Learning” by Ji Lin, MD; et al. (Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, USA). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/b8100fa41827... #OrthoSky

MRI has proven to be an invaluable resource in the diagnosis and management of orthopedic conditions, given its superior soft tissue contrast, lack of ionizing radiation, and ability to obtain high-resolution imaging. In the face of declining reimbursement and increasing pressure for patient throughput, efforts are ongoing to decrease scan times while maintaining image quality and resolution.
This is especially important when patients are unable to tolerate prolonged scan times due to claustrophobia or pain. In these instances, faster scan times may be particularly valuable for patient care.
MRI of the hip is one of the most frequently performed MR examinations at imaging centers specializing in orthopedic imaging. The relatively thin cartilage of the hip requires high in-plane and through-plane (slice) resolution to maintain diagnostic accuracy, which results in longer scan times.
The authors outline a 3T protocol that uses deep learning reconstruction, reduced echo spacing, and reduced specific absorption rate (SAR) with optimization of radiofrequency (RF) pulses to enable a hip MRI protocol within 15 minutes of scan time but still maintains spatial resolution and SNR.

Shout-out to the co-authors: Xiaoying Cai, Peter Kollasch, Nicolas Groß-Weege, (Siemens Healthineers)

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#WorldLymphomaAwarenessDay. For the #MRI community, an opportunity to share practical resources for whole-body MRI: 📌 Step-by-step tutorials 📥 Protocols (.exar1 & PDF) 📄 Clinical articles 🎥 Talks & educational material www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/hot-topics/q... #OncoSky #wbMRI

magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com

Quantitative Whole-Body MRI

Whole-body MRI for assessing bone and soft tissue pathology and for therapy response evaluation.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

One Sequence, Multiple Contrasts: Toward a Simplified Knee #MRI Protocol with 3D PD TSE nDixon by Dr Romain Gillet, et al. (Service d’Imagerie Guilloz, Hôpital Central, CHRU Nancy, France). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/5b698a4697b5... #RadSky #MSK #KneeMRI #MusculoskeletalRadiology

$The 3D PD TSE nDixon sequence is acquired in under six minutes and combines three complementary technologies: - isotropic 3D proton-density turbo spin-echo imaging, - Dixon fat–water separation, and - deep-learning-based image reconstruction. Unlike conventional 3D fat-suppressed TSE sequences that rely on spectral attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR), Dixon-based reconstruction performs intrinsic fat–water separation and is considerably less sensitive to B0 field inhomogeneities. This advantage is particularly relevant in peripheral musculoskeletal imaging, where complex anatomy and off-center positioning frequently compromise conventional fat suppression. From a single acquisition, Dixon reconstruction simultaneously provides water-only images comparable to conventional PD fat-suppressed imaging together with fat-only, in-phase, and opposed-phase reconstructions. Multiple clinically useful image contrasts are therefore generated without increasing acquisition time. The availability of fat-only images is particularly valuable because they reproduce much of the information traditionally obtained from a dedicated T1-weighted sequence. Bone marrow composition, fatty replacement, marrow reconversion, incidental marrow lesions, fractures, and many bone abnormalities can therefore be evaluated without requiring an additional acquisition. Together, isotropic imaging and Dixon reconstruction create the possibility of performing a comprehensive routine knee examination using a single volumetric acquisition. Key benefits of 3D PD TSE nDixon • One acquisition, four image contrasts • Potential replacement of dedicated T1 imaging • ~ 50% shorter examination time • Isotropic multiplanar reformations • Robust Dixon fat suppression • Deep-learning reconstruction • Motion-resistant workflow • Potential extension to hand, wrist, ankle, and foot imaging WIP. Please note that 3D PD TSE nDixon is Work in Progress.$

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Proactive Ergonomic Design for Interventional MRI: Insights from Digital Human Modeling by Prof Steven Fischer, et al. (University of Waterloo, ON, Canada) marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/b67a9a596836... #Ergonomics #OccupationalHealth #MRI #InterventionalMRI #InterventionalRadiology

While the clinical benefits of interventional MRI (iMRI) are well established, less attention has been paid to the physical and ergonomic demands placed on interventional radiologists who must work within the geometric constraints of MRI systems. Longer bore lengths, narrower access, and constrained reach conditions can require clinicians to adopt sustained, non-neutral postures that may elevate musculoskeletal loading over time.
The authors apply digital human modeling (DHM) techniques to quantify ergonomic exposures during simulated needle-insertion tasks performed in CT and MRI environments. By integrating live human motion-capture data with predictive biomechanical simulation, this study demonstrates how scanner geometry, specifically bore length, bore diameter, bore flaring, and table height, interact with clinician anthropometry to influence ergonomic demands on the body.
The findings show that ergonomic risk in iMRI is not inherent to MRI as a modality but rather is highly design dependent. Certain MRI configurations, particularly those incorporating flared bore entries and elevated table heights, can substantially reduce low-back loading compared with more conventional MRI designs.
The 100 cm flared bore geometry of the MAGNETOM Free.XL appears to have ergonomic advantages compared with conventional CT and conventional 70 cm bore MRI geometries. By embedding ergonomics upstream in scanner design and service planning, the field can move beyond reactive mitigation and toward proactive prevention to support the sustainable, human-centered growth of interventional MRI.

Special thanks to the co-authors: Justin Davidson, M.Sc., Ph.D.(c); Joshua Krieger, B.S.; Sean Chambers, Ph.D.; Jan Brandt, Ph.D.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🦴🧲 Radial UTE #MRI in Musculoskeletal Diseases by Dr. Yun Sun Choi, et al. (Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea) marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/9bc0da7a4dcc... #RadSky #MSK #BoneImaging

$MRI is the modality of choice for evaluating most soft-tissue structures in the musculoskeletal system because of its excellent soft-tissue contrast and lack of ionizing radiation. However, conventional MRI sequences typically use echo times longer than one millisecond and therefore fail to capture signal from tissues with ultrashort transverse relaxation times, such as cortical bone, calcified cartilage, fibrocartilage, the deep or enthesial portions of tendons and ligaments, and cartilaginous endplate at the discovertebral junction. Because these short-T2 tissues are frequently involved in musculoskeletal disease, conventional MRI leaves a diagnostic gap that has traditionally been addressed by radiography or CT. 3D radial ultrashort echo time (UTE)* MRI helps bridge this gap by sampling the free induction decay within tens of microseconds after nonselective excitation, using a center-out radial k-space trajectory. This technique enables visualization of tissues that are normally signal-void on conventional MRI, and can provide CT-like contrast for cortical bone and mineralized tissue while preserving the soft-tissue advantages of MRI. UTE MRI can complement standard MRI in the evaluation of bone morphology, fractures, focal bone lesions, joint disease, soft-tissue calcification or ossification, and postoperative changes. At present, radial UTE MRI is best regarded as a powerful adjunct to, rather than a replacement for, CT or conventional MRI. Its clinical role is partially limited by longer acquisition times, sequence-specific artifacts, the magic-angle effect, and lower spatial resolution compared with CT. Nevertheless, continuing advances in acquisition and reconstruction are likely to expand the role of radial UTE MRI in comprehensive, radiation-free musculoskeletal imaging. Shoutout to the co-authors: Stefan Sommer, Ph.D. and Jaekon Sung (Siemens Healthineers)$

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

It's #MRSafetyWeek, the perfect opportunity to refresh #MRI safety knowledge. Download a deck of Q&A cards in English, French, Spanish, German, or Swedish. 📥 www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/publications... #ISMRM #ISMRT #MRSafety #Radiography #MRIEducation #MRI #PatientSafety #RadSky

This week is MRSafetyWeek, the perfect opportunity to refresh essential MRI safety knowledge.
MRI safety training is a fundamental part of operating an MR system. To support this, we developed a practical Questions & Answers card deck covering key MRI safety topics — from patient screening and emergency procedures to safe patient positioning and everyday best practices.
Whether you're onboarding new colleagues, refreshing existing knowledge, or running departmental safety training, these cards are an easy way to support consistent learning.
Available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Swedish.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

From 1–2 mT/m gradients in the early days of clinical #MRI to today's ultra-high-performance systems. Trace innovation in historic lab books and behind-the-scenes stories: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/e2c5760b1e45... #MedPhys #MRIHistory #RadSky #GradientSystems #Innovaton

At the beginning of clinical MRI, maximum achievable gradient strength (Gmax) were typically in the range of 1 to 2 mT/m amplitude, with rise times of 1 to 2 ms.

This article explores how Siemens Healthineers learned to make good gradients. It traces the remarkable technological advances from 1983, when Siemens Medizintechnik, as it was known then, began developing its first MRI system, the MAGNETOM; almost until today, when Siemens Healthineers provide MAGNETOM Cima.X, MAGNETOM Terra.X, and Connectome 2.0 to the clinical and research community.

The article allows a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of MRI engineering. The historic lab books, photographs, and personal recollections are a wonderful reminder that many of today's "standard" technologies were once bold ideas sketched on a laboratory bench.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

DWI of the Brain with Isotropic Resolution using syngo RESOLVE with GRAPPA and SMS by Thomas Illigen; et al. (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/504bae0b8ef2... #MRI #NeuroSky #RadSky #Stroke #VolumetricMRI @tomhilbertmri.bsky.social

The clinical benefit of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with isotropic resolution lies in its volumetric information, enabling, for example, improved assessment of the progression of an epidermoid cyst, tumor, or stroke area.

Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (RESOLVE) produces sharp diffusion-weighted images with high spatial resolution, while GRAPPA (GeneRalized Autocalibrating Partially Parallel Acquisition) and Simultaneous Multi-Slice (SMS) acquisition significantly reduce scan times in clinical MRI.

High-resolution imaging (1.1 mm isotropic) creates severe susceptibility artifacts in single shot EPI. RESOLVE is therefore a good
alternative, but would require very long scan times on systems with low gradient system configurations. With the 3T MAGNETOM Cima.X, the acquisition time for a RESOLVE sequence with an isotropic resolution of 1.1 mm will be reduced to under 10 minutes, making it feasible for clinical examinations.

Learn more about this high-resolution DWI technique with isotropic voxel sizes and convincing image quality – also for multiplanar reformations (MPR) – in an acceptable acquisition time.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

How to Measure the Tibial Tuberosity to Trochlear Groove Distance on #MRI by Marcelo Fernandes Arêas (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/2ac9c90fba9d... #RadSky #MSK #Sportsmedicine

The tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is a radiographic measurement used primarily to assess patellar instability (which occurs when the kneecap slips out of place).
It measures the lateral offset between the deepest part of the trochlear groove and the point where the patellar tendon attaches to the tibia.

The TT-TG measurement is often requested in orthopedic clinics, particularly for patients presenting with:
• Recurrent patellar dislocations
• Chronic kneecap pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• Patellar maltracking
If a surgeon is considering an operation to stabilize the kneecap, the TT-TG distance is part of the standard preoperative workup.

The measurement is typically performed using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Radiologists take two cross-sectional images: one at the level of the trochlea and one at the level of the tibial tuberosity. They then superimpose the images to measure the horizontal distance between the two points.

Historically, CT was the gold standard for this measurement, partially because the modality provides 3D acquisitions. Today, MRI can also perform 3D acquisitions with thin slices comparable to CT, while offering additional advantages, including different contrasts (achieved with T1, T2, PD, fat-sat, or zero echo time imaging PETRA) that allow visualization of cartilage and ligaments without ionizing radiation.

Another advantage of MRI is the possibility of reliably measuring the tibial tuberosity to posterior cruciate ligament distance (TT-PCL). This information helps determine if the instability failure is purely due to the tibial bone.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Combined CS-CAIPI DESS with DL Reconstruction for Highly Accelerated 7T MR Neurography by @sutterbalgrist.bsky.social; et al. (Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich). 📖 Learn more: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/8a3beb51d2fc... #MRI #MSKrad #Neurography #RadSky #NeuroSky #7T #UHF

Magnetic resonance neurography of the cervical spine greatly benefits from the signal-to-noise ratio available at 7T. The 3D DESS sequence with water excitation provides excellent visualization of cervical nerve anatomy and intervertebral discs while effectively suppressing surrounding bone and fat tissue. This enables high-contrast images that clearly depict microstructural detail such as intradural rootlets/roots, dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), and the proximal spinal nerves.

A key challenge, however, is the relatively long acquisition time required to achieve the necessary submillimeter isotropic resolution. Extended scan durations make the examination more vulnerable to motion artifacts caused by swallowing, breathing, or cerebrospinal fluid pulsation.
Substantial reductions in scan time can be achieved through coherent (e.g., GRAPPA, CAIPIRINHA) and incoherent (compressed sensing [CS]) undersampling combined with deep learning (DL) reconstruction. Combining CAIPIRINHA and CS with DL reconstruction may enable even greater acceleration while preserving or improving image quality compared to state-of-the-art CAIPIRINHA or CS.
The authors explored a novel joint CS + CAIPIRINHA (CS-CAIPI) data sampling scheme with DL reconstruction for highly accelerated 3D DESS MR neurography at 7T.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

While #AAIC26 is taking place in London, UK, let me highlight the ASNR-Recommended AD Therapeutic Imaging Protocols shared by Prof Tammie Benzinger, et al. @washumedicine.bsky.social Download 1.5 & 3T .exar1: www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #NeuroSky #RadSky #ARIA #MRI

magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Establishing Standard #MRI Protocols for Brain and Spine Evaluation in Small Animals by Dr. Fred Wininger, VMD, MS, DACVIM (The Animal Neurology Center, St. Louis, USA). www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/hot-topics/c... #VetMed #VetSky #VetMedSky #NeuroSky #IVRA #IVRA2026

Standardized MRI protocols are essential not only for achieving high image quality and diagnostic accuracy, but also for ensuring efficiency, safety, and reproducibility across a diverse and challenging patient population.

Unlike human radiology, veterinary imaging must accommodate multiple species, a wide range of sizes, and varied pathologies — all while operating under the constraints of anesthesia, cost, and staffing.

By designing thoughtful, size-based, and anatomically grounded protocols that anticipate these demands, veterinary teams can maximize the utility of MRI as a diagnostic tool.

The figure shows the standard spinal protocol in dogs.
The imaging volume encompassed either the C1–T2 or T2–S1 spinal segments. Sagittal T2W and dorsal T2W STIR sequences were acquired for planning the region of interest (ROI), followed by transverse T2W images through the ROI.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

A different perspective on this summer’s sporting events ⚽ 🎾🚴 After sharing an #MRI of a soccer player, tomorrow's #Wimbledon final is the perfect occasion for an MRI of a tennis player. And with the Tour de France in full swing, an MRI of a cyclist is coming up... #RadSky #SiemensHealthineers

These are real MRI acquisitions, not AI-generated images. Many thanks to my colleague Heike Weh (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany), whose expertise made these remarkable images possible.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The Evolving Role of Cardiovascular #MRI in Sports Cardiology: From Athletic Adaptation to Cardiac Pathology By Prof Andreas Schuster, et al. (FORUM Medizin, Rosdorf, Germany). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/1411a2910b1f... #CardioSky #RadSky #CMR #SportsCMR @banksgaia.bsky.social

Sports cardiologists are frequently confronted with a fundamental challenge: distinguishing physiological adaptations of the athlete’s heart from pathological cardiovascular abnormalities. In this context, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has evolved into an indispensable tool in modern sports cardiology. Its unique ability to characterize myocardial structure, function, tissue composition, fibrosis, and inflammation, and the possibility of anatomical evaluation of the coronary arteries make CMR indispensable for the assessment of athletes with suspected cardiovascular disease.

Whether evaluating inflammatory heart disease, differentiating athlete’s heart from cardiomyopathy, assessing arrhythmic risk, monitoring aortic adaptation, or characterizing myocardial scar in coronary disease, CMR provides information that directly influences clinical decision-making. As sports cardiology increasingly embraces individualized care and shared decision-making, CMR serves not merely as a diagnostic modality but as a central component of athlete-centered cardiovascular risk assessment. Its ability to combine anatomical, functional, and tissue-specific information makes it the cornerstone imaging technique for modern sports cardiology.

The figure shows serial CMR findings in an elite handball player with physiological exercise-induced cardiac remodeling.
The baseline CMR study (left column, 2020) and follow-up CMR study (middle and right columns, 2025) demonstrate persistent left ventricular enlargement.
End-diastolic four-chamber cine images (left and middle columns) show stable chamber dilatation without focal structural abnormalities. Corresponding LGE images demonstrate no focal myocardial fibrosis. Native T1 mapping (top right) and T2 mapping (bottom right) at follow-up show normal tissue characteristics without evidence of diffuse myocardial fibrosis or myocardial edema, consistent with athlete’s heart.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Dixon FLAIR Outperforms Fat-Suppressed FLAIR Image Quality in Brain #MRI by Wenchang Zhang, MD, et al. (The Second Hospital of Longyan, Fujian, China). Read the article: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/4a576e22d8fb... #NeuroSky #MedPhys #RadSky 📌 Please note that Dixon FLAIR is WIP.

Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) is an essential sequence in brain MRI. By suppressing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and free water signals, FLAIR improves the contrast between lesions and brain parenchyma, thereby improving the detection of pathologies adjacent to CSF spaces, such as cerebral infarction, abscess, inflammatory demyelinating diseases, and tumors.

However, conventional FLAIR without fat suppression suffers from high fat signal and chemical shift artifacts, which may reduce gray-white matter contrast and mask lesions involving the skull or intracranial structures. Frequency selective fat suppressed FLAIR (FS FLAIR) has been widely adopted to overcome these limitations.
Unfortunately, FS FLAIR is highly sensitive to B0 and B1 inhomogeneities, which are exacerbated by tissue susceptibility differences, geometric distortion, and the presence of metal dental implants. As a result, FS FLAIR often fails to provide uniform fat suppression, leading to degraded image quality, signal distortion, and reduced diagnostic confidence — particularly in patients with fixed metal dentures.

The authors integrated the Dixon technique with FLAIR (Dixon FLAIR). The Dixon method exploits the chemical shift difference between water and fat, using dual echo acquisition and advanced reconstruction algorithms. It is inherently less sensitive to B0/B1 inhomogeneities and local susceptibility variations, offering robust and uniform fat suppression even in challenging anatomical regions without increasing scan time.
This article presents three cases demonstrating the differences in fat-suppression quality between FS-FLAIR and Dixon-FLAIR in brain MRI and the resulting impact on lesion visualization.

📌 Please note that Dixon FLAIR is Work in progress. The application is currently under development and is not for sale in the U.S. and in other countries. Its future availability cannot be ensured.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Dedicated dental #MRI enables direct visualization of soft tissues, nerves, and the pulp — without ionizing radiation. Applications include TMJ, endodontics, periodontics, or surgical planning. marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/5a181218e44a... #DentalMRI #OralRadiology #ddMRI #RadSky

Clinical applications of dental dedicated MRI span multiple domains of oral and maxillofacial medicine.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders:
MRI is the only non-invasive modality that directly visualizes the articular disc, showing its position, shape, and integrity. Differentiating between muscular dysfunction, disc displacement with or without reduction, and degenerative joint disease is clinically decisive and fundamentally influences the therapeutic approach.

Endodontics:
MRI enables direct visualization of the pulp. Current vitality tests — thermal or electrical — provide indirect, sometimes ambiguous information. MRI can display inflammatory changes around the apex, enable assessments of vascularization, and support the detection of periapical pathology at early stages before substantial bone loss has occurred.

Periodontics:
MRI allows visualization of soft tissue inflammation and ligament integrity. Active periodontitis can show characteristic edema and hyperemia on MRI before radiographically detectable bone loss occurs. The extent of soft tissue attachment loss can be assessed non-invasively, complementing clinical probing.

Surgical planning:
MRI enhances surgical planning through detailed nerve visualization. The inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, and lingual nerve can be traced along their courses. This allows more precise planning of implant placement, wisdom tooth extractions, and orthognathic procedures, particularly in cases where the nerve course is unusually close to the planned surgical site or where previous interventions have altered normal anatomy.

Pediatric dentistry:
Here the absence of ionizing radiation is particularly relevant. Repeated MRI in growing children — to monitor dental development, assess impacted teeth, or follow trauma over time — carries no cumulative radiation burden.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Phase-Resolved Functional Lung Protocols: The #PREFUL research team shares their #MRI protocols for 1.5T, 3T, and 0.55T MAGNETOM systems. www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #RadSky #LungMRI #Pediatrics #FunctionalImaging #LungHealth

Chronic pulmonary diseases (CPD) represent a major global health burden and are the leading cause of death among lung diseases. Each year, more than 55 million new cases are diagnosed worldwide, and approximately 10% of patients affected by CPDs are children.

CPDs comprise a spectrum of diseases that require continuous surveillance. Assessing lung function, particularly perfusion (blood flow) and ventilation (airflow), is essential. Nuclear medicine is currently considered the gold standard for functional lung imaging.
However, when repeated follow-up imaging is required, radiation exposure has to be taken into account, especially for vulnerable patient groups such as children.

LungMaps is a proton MRI-based application that provides functional lung information without the need for tracers, contrast agents, or ionizing radiation. It is based on the PREFUL method, which has been clinically evaluated across a wide range of patient populations. Although LungMaps is a post-processing application, it relies on a 2D MRI acquisition protocol with sufficient temporal resolution to capture both respiratory- and cardiac-based signal variations in the lungs.

Shout-out to Andreas Voskrebenzev, Ph.D.; Filip Klimeš, Ph.D.; and Jens Vogel-Claussen, M.D. (Department of Radiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Germany) for sharing their protocols.

Download the protocols for:
-- 0.55T MAGNETOM Free (syngo MR XA80)
-- 1.5T MAGNETOM Sola (syngo MR XA61)
-- 3T MAGNETOM Vida (syngo MR XA60)

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Accelerate imaging and improve image quality with Boost Gradient Mode by Takashi Torigoe (Application Specialist, Siemens Healthineers, Tokyo, Japan). Lern more: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/17e7faea5ecd... #RadSky #MedPhys #MRI #ImageQuality @tomhilbertmri.bsky.social

Effective use of gradient magnetic fields plays an important role in achieving high image quality. Boost Gradient Mode is a unique feature that enables MRI systems to use the maximum gradient strength, allowing further optimization of imaging parameters. First introduced on the 0.55T MAGNETOM Free. Platform, it is now also available on the 1.5T MAGNETOM Flow. Platform.
One of the key advantages of Boost Gradient Mode is the ability to shorten echo spacing when optimizing imaging parameters. While shorter echo spacing does not inherently shorten acquisition time, it does provide additional benefits that include improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and reduced blurring and banding artifacts. The clinical cases presented in this article demonstrate the practical impact of Boost Gradient Mode across multiple anatomical regions.
This article highlights the feasibility and clinical usefulness of Boost Gradient Mode. By making effective use of maximum gradient performance, it helps to accelerate imaging and improve image quality. Although higher gradient performance increases the likelihood of reaching dB/dt limits, integrated tools such as Boost Assistant provide robust mitigation of these risks.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

New pediatric #MRI protocols by Mike Kean, FISMRT (Royal Children's) are now available. Protocols include: - Brain - C-spine trauma, scoliosis, discitis, long bone infection - Extremity tumors - Liver Download the 1.5T & 3T .exar1 files: www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor...

New pediatric MRI protocols with Deep Resolve are now available, shared by Michael Kean, FISMRT, Chief MR Technologist Children’s MRI and PET Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute / Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne The Royal Children’s Hospital.

Included are protocols for:
- Brain (under 6 months, headache, developmental disorders, multiple sclerosis, temporal lobe epilepsy, intracranial infection, and stroke)
- Cervical spine trauma
- Spine (scoliosis and discitis)
- Long bone infection
- Extremity tumor
- Liver

Some of the protocols have been optimized for quieter scanning using Quiet Mode.

The protocols follow the recommendations published by:
Ferraciolli SF, et al. International standardization of pediatric magnetic resonance imaging protocols: creation of the World Federation of Pediatric Imaging MR Protocols Committee. Pediatr Radiol. 2025;55(3):375–383. doi: 10.1007/s00247-024-06154-6.

Download the .exar1 files for:
- 1.5T MAGNETOM Sola (syngo MR XA61)
- 3T MAGNETOM systems (syngo MR XA60)

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

With the ⚽ World Cup capturing global attention, here's a look beneath the surface. Exploare & download a series of striking sports #MRI images featuring a cyclist, gymnast, sprinter, and tennis player. 🔗 www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/magnetom-mat... #RadSky #WorldCup #FIFAWC2026

This MRI of a soccer player was acquired by my colleague Heike Weh.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

CATCH-220: Delivering Comprehensive Brain #MRI in Under 4 Minutes Using Deep Learning Reconstruction at 1.5T by Dr Cocozza, et al. (Naples University Hospital Federico II, Italy). 📄 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/6b138aab257e... #NeuroSky #RadSky #Stroke #AlzheimersDisease #BrainMRI

CATCH-220 is a deep learning-enhanced, clinically implementable ultrafast MRI protocol that enables comprehensive whole-brain imaging in less than 220 seconds.
By combining multiple image contrasts, including perfusion, within a single rapid acquisition, the protocol offers a flexible and scalable solution for a wide range of neuroradiological applications.

Its compatibility with standard 1.5T MRI systems and reliance on commercially available technology support its integration into routine clinical workflows, particularly in time-critical settings and for patients requiring repeated examinations.

Of course, some limitations should be acknowledged. The protocol does not include a dedicated angiographic sequence, such as time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography, which may limit its immediate applicability in certain vascular contexts. Although susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) can provide indirect vascular information (e.g., the susceptibility vessel sign), it cannot fully replace vascular imaging yet.

Beyond acute stroke, the potential applications of CATCH-220 extend to other clinical scenarios. In longitudinal imaging, such as ARIA monitoring in patients receiving anti-amyloid therapies, shorter scan times may improve adherence and workflow efficiency. Similarly, in pediatric and non-cooperative populations, ultrafast protocols can reduce motion artifacts and minimize the need for sedation.

Shout-out and thank you to all co-authors!

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Dental-dedicated #MRI is opening new possibilities for radiation-free dentomaxillofacial imaging. The @au.dk experience highlights sequence optimization, workflow optimization & clinical applications. marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/740e6b3fc513... #DentalMRI #ddMRI #DentalRadiology

The Journey of Dental‑Dedicated MRI at a School of Dentistry: The Aarhus Experience by Dr. Jennifer Christensen and Dr. Rubens Spin-Neto (Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark).

Dental‑dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (ddMRI) has recently emerged as a promising radiation‑free imaging modality for dentomaxillofacial diagnostics.
By combining a lower‑field MRI system, a dedicated radiofrequency coil, and optimized pulse sequences, ddMRI enables simultaneous visualization of dental structures, bone, soft tissues, and inflammatory processes.

Aarhus University was among the first institutions worldwide to implement and systematically investigate this technology within its school of dentistry. Through a series of experimental ex vivo and clinical studies, the researchers explored sequence optimization, workflow integration, and diagnostic feasibility across multiple dental disciplines.
This article summarizes the first years of ddMRI implementation in Aarhus, highlighting technological developments, patient workflow, sequence optimization, and emerging clinical applications. The Aarhus experience illustrates both the potential and current limitations of ddMRI and outlines key research that will be necessary for integrating MRI into routine dentomaxillofacial imaging.

The figure shows Proton‑density‑weighted images of impacted inferior third molars.
The red arrow shows the submandibular ganglion and its connection to the lingual nerve; the green arrows show the mandibular canal.
(Left, axial view; Middle, sagittal view; Right, coronal view)

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Reposted by Antje Hellwich

The Organization for Human Brain Mapping @ohbmofficial.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

MRI innovation moves fast, but scaling it across healthcare systems can be challenging. Discover how the Open MAGNETOM Community helps bring cutting-edge MRI solutions into practice. Visit Siemens Healthineers at Booth #45 to talk about the future of open MRI innovation. tinyurl.com/mr2tpd2k

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Imaging Titanium and Carbon Fiber Spinal Implants at 0.55T, 1.5T, and 3T #MRI: A Phantom Experiment by Xin Miao, Ph.D. et al. 🔗Read more: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/669814662252... #MRinRT #OncoSky #RadSky #MedPhys #RadiationOncology

The authors investigated the imaging of titanium vs. Carbon/PEEK pedicle screws at 0.55T, 1.5T, and 3T, with and without advanced metal artifact reduction techniques.
Their findings demonstrate that techniques such as WARP and SEMAC effectively reduce metal artifacts near titanium implants at all three field strengths. In contrast, Carbon/PEEK screws could be imaged using standard #MRI protocols without implant-related image artifact.

It is essential to acknowledge that there are numerous considerations involved in imaging with metal implants. Metal artifact reduction strategies often come at the cost of reduced SNR, increased scan times, and higher SAR. Imaging at lower field strengths (e.g., 0.55T) and with non-metal hardware may dramatically simplify protocol development in such scenarios.

Beyond excellent soft-tissue contrast, MRI techniques like diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offer valuable functional information that aids in assessing tissue viability, identifying areas of hypoxia, and optimizing dose delivery based on tumor biology. Furthermore, MRI can facilitate monitoring of tumor response and treatment efficacy during and after radiation therapy without concerns over
ionizing radiation exposure.

This capability empowers clinicians to evaluate treatment response and adapt treatment plans as needed. Whether in treatment planning,
functional imaging, or treatment follow-up, addressing the challenge of imaging with spine implants requires close collaboration between radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiologists. Optimization of MRI protocols, development of artifact reduction strategies, and accurate integration of MRI data into the treatment planning process are paramount. Despite these challenges, the benefits of using MRI in spine radiation therapy should outweigh the limitations, and ultimately lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with spinal tumors.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Whole-Body Evaluation of the Bone using PD-Weighted VIBE Sequences with Deep Learning Reconstruction and Applications in Oncology by Prof. Padhani et al. (Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital). Download 1.5T #MRI protocol: www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/hot-topics/q...

$In the last decade, whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) has been established as a standard diagnostic and treatment-monitoring tool for cancer patients with bone disease. Bone metastases are a common finding in late-stage cancer patients and can be associated with poorer prognosis, treatment resistance, and tumor-related adverse skeletal events, such as fractures, spinal cord compression, and the need for bone radiotherapy. Standard WB-MRI protocols, as prescribed in MET-RADS and MY-RADS, focus exclusively on the evaluation of bone marrow involvement, largely because of the inability to visualize the mineralized bone. Thus, WB-MRI has always had the limitation of requiring computed tomography (CT) scans to confidently evaluate the bone structure for surgical interventions and RT planning. Recent advances have focused on generating CT-like images using MRI. Acquiring CT-like images simultaneously with conventional WB-MRI could reduce the need for additional CT appointments, eliminate ionizing radiation doses, and minimize spatial registration errors. Indeed, the creation of synthetic CT-like images for radiotherapy planning purposes is already possible using the syngo.via RT Image Suite. However, these images cannot provide the level of bone matrix detail needed for the radiological diagnosis of bone pathology. Multiple investigators have reported bone MRI using a variety of VIBE and ZTE/UTE approaches. Structures with no signal return show black against a uniformly gray soft tissue background — known as “black-bone” imaging. When the image contrast is inverted, the bone appears white, like that in CT. Deep Resolve reconstruction could cut whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging (WB-DWI) sequences by almost 50% without corresponding declines in image quality. Building on their experience, the authors developed and clinically implemented a proton density (PD)-weighted VIBE sequence using Deep Resolve to demonstrate its added value for bone imaging in WB-MRI examinations.$

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Download Guideline-compliant High Res #MRI Rectal Protocols by Prof. Kirsten Gormly (Jones Radiology, Adelaide). These 1.5 & 3T protocols deliver the detail required for treatment planning. www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #ESGAR2026 #ESGAR #OncoSky #RadSky #MagnetomWorld

MRI for local staging and restaging of rectal cancer is a cornerstone of modern multidisciplinary treatment.
High resolution MRI is recommended by global organizations, as the quality of the images has a direct impact on radiologists’ ability to accurately assess the tumor.
To ensure clinical consistency, we provide protocols which meet the recommendations from ESGAR (European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology), SAR (Society of Abdominal Radiology, USA) and Australian organizations.

These protocols are optimized for varied MAGNETOM systems to deliver the high-contrast, high-resolution detail required for treatment planning.

• Protocols for high-resolution T2W:
Small FOV, thin-slice (3 mm) sequences with base in-plane resolution 0.6 x 0.6 mm (0.3 x 0.3 x 3.0 mm with Deep Resolve). Sagittal and aligned to the tumor axis for optimized assessment of T-stage, Extramural Venous Invasion, Lymph Node and Mesorectal Fascia involvement.

• Protocols for DWI:
High b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 800 s/mm^2) to increase sensitivity for post-treatment response.

• Large FOV protocols for LM staging:
Axial overview of the entire pelvis to identify distant lymphadenopathy.

Download the guideline-compliant .exar1 and PDF protocol packages for your 1.5T or 3T system

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Helpful Hints for Using Deep Learning Image Reconstruction by Mario Zeller, PhD (Siemens Healthineers). Learn about preview, SNR, and g-factor noise amplification: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/782a2a42694e... #MRI #MedPhys #RadSky #AI #DeepResolve

The effect on the image quality and SNR can be seen in the figure. For conventional GRAPPA acquisitions, the images become noisier. For Deep Resolve acquisitions the noise level is reduced, although very fine image features may be subject to increased blurring.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Working on MAGNETOM Flash #100 has meant revisiting past editions — and rediscovering articles that still resonate today. One standout: Gary McNeal, MS (BME), “The Various Definitions of TR.” marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/180000000607... #MRI #MedPhys #RadSky #CMR #CardioSky

In the practice of Cardiac MRI, various definitions of the parameter TR (Repetition Time) have evolved, as gated pulse sequences have become increasingly complex.
Understandably this has caused significant confusion among many users. In some cases, the original concept of TR seems to have been lost.

This article describes the various definitions of TR.
While the physical definition of TR will always mean only one thing, the time between successive excitation pulses, a number of variations have resulted from the necessity of controlling a pulse sequence within the cardiac cycle.
Hopefully, this brief explanation, along with the accompanying diagrams, will make the topic easier to understand for everyone working in cardiac MRI.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

#ESOC2026 is on in Maastricht. Check out this new edition with an editorial by Prof Johannes Kaesmacher (Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland): www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/publications... Thank you to all contributers! #Stroke #NeuroSky #MRI #Neurology #PatientOutcomes #ESOC26

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

May is #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth I’d like to highlight: Enhancing Outcomes with Intraoperative #MRI and #Radiomics in #Glioma Surgery by Dr. Philip Rauch, et al. (Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/b4007aa53fe6... #NeuroSky #ioMRI #Neurosurgery

Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults. They originate from central nervous system glial cells and are categorized by the WHO into grades 1 to 4. Common types in adults include glioblastoma (grade 4), astrocytic tumors (grades 1–3), oligodendrogliomas (grades 2, 3), and ependymomas (grades 1–3). Glioblastoma is notably aggressive, with a two-year survival rate below 10%.
Achieving the maximal extent of resection has been shown to enhance both progression-free survival and overall survival in the surgical treatment of gliomas. The optimal surgical strategy for gliomas requires balancing aggressive tumor removal with minimizing the risk of new or worsened neurological deficits to ensure better outcomes.

Due to the diffuse nature of gliomas, neurosurgeons face a significant challenge in accurately identifying the boundary between tumor tissue and adjacent brain matter. Hence, glioma resection is guided by the anatomical expertise of the surgeon, which can be aided by visualization techniques, making the selection of the appropriate imaging strategies crucial in glioma surgery. The authors provide an overview of the possibilities for visualizing brain-tumor margin, with a particular focus on the input of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI). They also present a case in which we performed ioMRI with machine learning-based radiomics.

Shoutout to the co-authors: Baran Atli, M.D.; Martin Aichholzer, M.D.; Andreas Gruber, M.D.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Wake-Up Strokes: Advanced Imaging Solutions for Time-Sensitive Neurological Emergencies by Dr Anirudda Deshpande, MD (Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK). marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/09922ad217e8... #NeuroSky #RadSky #Stroke #WakeUpStroke #BrainHealth #MRI

Wake-up strokes account for 14%–28% of all ischemic strokes and present a unique diagnostic challenge. Patients awaken with neurological deficits, making it impossible to determine the onset time of the stroke.

Historically, this uncertainty excluded these patients from thrombolytic therapy, as traditional protocols required confirmed symptom onset within 4.5 hours.
Today, advanced neuroimaging is changing this paradigm.

The shift from rigid time windows to flexible tissue windows, guided by advanced MRI techniques has transformed wake-up strokes from untreatable conditions to intervention opportunities.

Successful intervention requires integrated emergency response, rapid imaging capabilities, expert interpretation, streamlined protocols, and robust monitoring.

Innovations in medical technology — including high-field MRI systems, accelerated sequences, automated analysis software, and algorithms — continue to expand access to evidence-based treatment.

For healthcare systems, investing in advanced imaging infrastructure and specialized teams directly translates into improved outcomes. For patients, stroke symptoms require immediate medical attention regardless of onset time.

Wake-up strokes no longer automatically exclude patients from treatment. Through continued collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and medical-technology innovators, the 14%–28% of stroke patients whose symptoms begin during sleep can increasingly receive interventions that preserve brain tissue and function.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

How Deep Learning Reconstruction Impacts #Radiomics Features in Abdominal #MRI by Jingyu Zhong, MD; et al. (Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China). Learn more: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/252c26ab79d8... #RadSky #DeepLearning #AI #HASTE

Deep learning reconstruction (DLR) is a double-edged sword for radiomics. While it addresses bottlenecks in MRI workflows, its feature perturbations demand rigorous validation.

Radiomics, which extracts quantitative features from medical images for clinical decision-making, has gained in popularity. Yet it faces challenges caused by its sensitivity to acquisition parameters, reconstruction algorithms, and post-processing techniques.

DLR enables acceptable image quality and faster acquisitions, and it is therefore expected to be widely adopted in the future. However, the influence of DLR and the combined effects of DLR and accelerated acquisition on radiomics features have not yet been investigated. It is necessary to evaluate in advance the potential changes that the new technique could cause to radiomics features.

This study provides a basis for future research into establishing radiomics models using images from an accelerated HASTE sequence with DLR. The authors investigated the impact of DLR and accelerated acquisitions on the robustness of radiomics features in abdominal scans acquired using a HASTE sequence.

By adhering to standardized protocols and investing in robustness testing, the radiology community can harness the full potential of DLR without compromising the diagnostic promise of radiomics.

Shoutout to the co-authors: Yang Song, Minda Lu, and Dominik Nickel

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Deep Learning Reconstruction to Support Clinical Adoption of Submillimeter #Neuroimaging at #7T. Piotr Radojewski, MD (inselbruppe.bsky.social), et al. 📄 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/d101b2500100... #MRI #UHF #NeuroSky #RadSky #DeepLearning @tomhilbertmri.bsky.social

Ultra-high-field MRI (7 Tesla and above) enables submillimeter spatial resolution that creates new opportunities for detailed neuroanatomical assessment and lesion characterization. However, long acquisition times are a major barrier to routine clinical use.

The authors illustrate how deep learning-based reconstruction enables higher acceleration of high-resolution brain imaging while preserving diagnostic image quality and thereby supporting the broader clinical usability of 7T MRI.

Shoutout to the co-authors: Thomas Yu, Jocelyn Philippe, Gabriele Bonanno, Kevin Battistini, Caterina Bernetti, Roland Wiest, Marwan El-Koussy, Natalia Pato Montemayor, Dominik Nickel, Patrick Liebig, Robin M. Heidemann, Felix T. Kurz, Jean-Philippe Thiran, Tom Hilbert, Tobi Kober, Gian Franco Piredda

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Reposted by Antje Hellwich

Ravi Menon @northernthrux.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Our new paper (with Siemens Healthcare) showing how to rapidly design patient-specific pTx RF pulses to make lower-SAR homogeneous diagnostic-quality 7T SPACE and FLAIR MR images. Special thanks to all my NSERC reviewers who said this wouldn’t work 😉. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Fast Online 3D SPACE and FLAIR Imaging at 7T Using Multiple Subject‐Specific Parallel Transmission Pulses Based on Subpopulation Universal Pulses

Purpose In 3D SPACE and FLAIR sequences, designing single pTx RF pulse for excitation and refocusing pulses by scaling its amplitude can introduce artifacts. This study addresses this by designing m...

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Optimized #MRI Sequences for New Diagnostic Biomarkers of #MultipleSclerosis by Pascal Sati, PhD; et al. (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA). 👉 📥Learn more and download the SWI and T2* EPI protocol from: www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #NeuroSky #RadSky #MS

The 2024 revisions of the international diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis introduce an expanded role for MRI by incorporating two novel imaging biomarkers: the central vein sign (CVS) and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL). Recent MRI guidelines developed by the MAGNIMS-CMSC-NAIMS consortia provide practical recommendations for implementing the MRI sequences required for accurate biomarker detection and reliable identification of MS.

Given the need for rapid clinical adoption of these newly integrated imaging biomarkers, the article outlines practical strategies to support the integration of appropriate susceptibility MRI sequences into routine diagnostic workflows. The use of an optimized susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) protocol is recommended to ensure sensitive detection of CVS, while filtered phase images are suggested for improved detection of PRL. When available, advanced 3D echo planar imaging (EPI) sequences are recommended to acquire submillimeter isotropic images, enabling multiplanar evaluation of T2*-weighted and filtered phase images and increasing diagnostic confidence in the assessment of CVS and PRL.

Shoutout to all authors and co-authors 👏 Sreekanth Madhusoodhanan Nair, Jin Jin, Chang Gao, Nader Binesh, Thomas Benkert, Marcel Maya

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Democratizing Neuroimaging: A Global #MRI Training Program to Strengthen Neuroimaging Capacity in LMICs by Dr Udunna Anazodo (@theneuro.bsky.social); et al. marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/704a56e0b6f0... @cameramriafrica.bsky.social #AccessToCare #DemocratizingMRI #RadSky #NeuroSky

Neurological disorders remain a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where limited resources, workforce shortages, and infrastructure constraints continue to impact access to care.

Neuroimaging, especially MRI, plays a critical role in improving diagnosis and clinical management, yet its adoption in these regions is constrained by infrastructure, financing, and training gaps.
The Scan With Me (SWiM) program addresses these challenges through a structured, train-the-trainer model designed to strengthen MRI capacity. Since 2023, the program has trained 233 MRI technologists across 25 LMICs, delivering extensive instruction, hands-on observerships, and peer-to-peer collaboration to optimize imaging protocols and improve clinical practice.

In parallel, technological innovation is expanding access to MRI. The installation of a 0.55T MAGNETOM Free.Max system in Rwanda demonstrates how simplified infrastructure requirements, reduced energy consumption, and flexible deployment can enable high-quality diagnostic imaging in resource-constrained environments.
Together, scalable training initiatives and innovative MRI solutions can empower healthcare professionals, democratize access, enhance diagnostic precision and clinical decision-making, and ultimately improve patient outcomes across resource-constrained settings.

Shoutout and thank you to the authors and co-authors!

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

The MAGNETOM World platform provides a range of in-depth educational resources on #MRI physics and methodology. Check it out at: www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/publications... #RadSky #MRPhysics #Radiology #MedicalImaging #RadiologyEducation

magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com

MR Basics

Definitions and explanations of MR terms and sequences.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

On #WorldParkinsonsDay, I'd like to highlight “ASL as a Potential Biomarker in Imaging of #Neurodegenerative Disorders” by Prof. Sandhya Mangalore, et al. (Nat. Inst. of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India). 📄 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/1a09d90d690b... #NeuroSky #MRI #PETMRI

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

#Neurofeedback for Treating #Depression: An Emerging Application of Real-Time Functional #MRI by Dr. rer. nat. Rainer Goebel & David Linden, MD (@maastrichtu.bsky.social). 🔗 marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/bf679062073a... #NeuroSky #Psychology #fMRI #RadSky @tomhilbertmri.bsky.social

In functional MRI (fMRI) neurofeedback, a closed-loop brain-computer interface enables participants to learn how to self-regulate brain activity using real-time feedback.
This method is gaining traction in both scientific and clinical settings. Several 3T MRI studies have shown the promise of this approach as an add-on treatment for depression, helping patients improve emotion regulation and self-efficacy.

Conventional neurofeedback cannot distinguish specific emotions. It is therefore unclear whether a patient is engaging in a positive or negative emotional mental state. To address this ambiguity, a new semantic neurofeedback approach maps individual emotions onto a two-dimensional space, visualizing the current emotional state as a moving point on this map.

This technique allows participants to actively navigate their emotional space, offering clearer and potentially more effective therapy for depression. A 7-Tesla proof-of-concept study shows promise for this new real-time fMRI neurofeedback method.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

syngo NATIVE TrueFISP Non-Contrast MR Angiography: Pulmonary Arteries. See how Marcelo Fernandes Arêas (Siemens Healthineers) does it: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/f735022ac942... #MRI #MRA #RadSky #MagnetomWorld @banksgaia.bsky.social

NATIVE (non-contrast angiography of the arteries and veins) is a contrast-free MR angiography technique designed to visualize vascular structures throughout of the body.
Tailored protocols for use in renal arteries and peripheral vessels are available within the protocol tree provided by Siemens Healthineers.
syngo NATIVE TrueFISP is based on the TrueFISP (true fast imaging with steady state precession) sequence, a balanced steady-state gradient echo technique.
The sequence can be made selective for arteries or veins by appropriate positioning of the inversion pulse, which can be positioned independently from the imaging volume.
The most robust method of performing syngo NATIVE TrueFISP is with respiratory triggering. With BioMatrix Technology, the respiratory sensor in the BioMatrix spine coil improves the workflow and increases efficiency.

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Beyond the Clock: The Pivotal Role of Advanced #MRI in Revolutionizing the Diagnosis and Management of Brainstem #Stroke by Anirudda Deshpande, MD; et al. (Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK). Learn more: marketing.webassets.siemens-healthineers.com/50f25c70149b... #NeuroSky

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Antje Hellwich @antjehellwich.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Standardized cranial #SRS #MRI protocol by Simon Atkins (@iconcancercentre.bsky.social), optimized for syngo MR XA30–XA60. Prioritizing 1 mm isotropic 3D imaging with T1/T2 SPACE for consistent #MRinRT workflows. Download exar1 ⬇️ www.magnetomworld.siemens-healthineers.com/clinical-cor... #OnkoSky

Stereotactic Radiotherapy Cranial Protocol by Simon Atkins, BAppSc (Hons), MSc, DipIPEM(S), CMPS, and MACPSEM (ICON Cancer Centre Australia).

The goal was to establish a unified imaging protocol across ICON centers, ensuring consistency while remaining feasible across different baseline systems (syngo MR XA30, XA50, and XA60). A key objective was to create a workflow that could be implemented with minimal radiotherapy-specific expertise required from on-site radiographers.

Physician requirements focused on achieving 1 mm isotropic 3D imaging for SRS treatments. In response, T1 SPACE and T2 SPACE sequences were prioritized due to their superior spatial resolution and high-quality three-dimensional datasets compared with conventional T1 MPRAGE and T2 TSE acquisitions.
The MPRAGE and T2 TSE sequences were retained as optional components to accommodate site-specific preferences.

To support consistent implementation across sites, the protocol also includes guidance images and explanatory notes to assist radiographers during planning, with particular emphasis on maintaining critical parameters and avoiding unintended modifications.

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