The FDA has cleared the Siemens Biograph mMR system that simultaneously performs a PET scan and an MRI scan, according to a release by Siemens.
The combined system exposes the patient to significantly lower radiation levels than a PET system alone and combines the advantages of each technology. While MRI scans provide morphological and functional details in soft tissue, PET can investigate cellular activity and metabolism.
Integration of MRI and PET technologies has been challenging because conventional PET detectors use photomultiplier tubes that can't be used in the MRI's strong magnetic field. As a result, previous MRI-PET imaging had to be sequential, involving a significant time lag.
Related Articles on MRI Imaging:
GE, Mayo to Develop Lower-Cost, Head-Only MRI for Smaller Facilities
CMS Says MRI Can Improve Health Outcomes in Medicare Patients With Pacemakers
CMS Reconsiders National Coverage Determination for MRI