PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM THE STRONGEST HOSPITAL-BASED MRI IN GEORGIA AT EMORY

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PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM THE STRONGEST HOSPITAL-BASED MRI IN GEORGIA AT EMORY
21 February 2007 - Emory University

Patients at Emory University Hospital have access to the strongest MRI available in Georgia, which means doctors have a clearer image for increased diagnostic accuracy.

Emory University Hospital's three-tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit is the first-of-its kind for a Georgia hospital. The more than $2 million 3T is double the field strength of most MRIs used in hospitals, meaning increased spatial resolution and/or shorter scan times for patients. A tesla is a unit of measure for magnetic strength.

"This new technology is important for our patients and for our physicians," notes Chad Holder, MD, medical director of neurological MRI at Emory University Hospital. "With the increased spatial resolution provided by the 3T, physicians can now identify some abnormalities that can't be detected by the traditional 1.5T magnets."

The 3T is primarily used for neurological imaging, but can be used for scanning other areas of the body. "For many clinical applications, the 1.5 T magnet is perfectly adequate, but for complex, small structures, such as pituitary gland and temporal bone images, the 3T is much more accurate," says Holder. "We also prefer to scan patients with seizure disorders on the 3T. We have found some small brain abnormalities on the 3T not previously picked up on the 1.5T."

One of the most impressive features of the 3T MRI is the increased signal to noise ratio. Radiologists can acquire images with extremely high spatial resolution, which enhances tissue segmentation, helps differentiate tumors from surrounding tissue, and helps to detect subtle abnormalities that may be a source of seizures.

"This new technology is brings added benefits to our patients with complicated problems," says Holder. "Its increased diagnostic accuracy means greater diagnostic confidence for us and our referring physicians, and that's always a plus for the patients."

Emory University Hospital now has a total of two 3T MRIs, one used exclusively for patient care, and the second exclusively for research.

http://www.emory.edu

About: Emory University
Emory University is home to nine major academic divisions, numerous centres for advanced study, and a host of prestigious affiliated institutions. In addition to Emory College, the University encompasses a graduate school of arts and sciences; professional schools of medicine, theology, law, nursing, public health, and business; and Oxford College, a two-year undergraduate division on the original campus of Emory in Oxford, Ga.

Emory was founded at Oxford by the Methodist Church in 1836. Led by President James W. Wagner, an award-winning teacher and scholar, the University has 11,300 students and 2,500 faculty members who represent all regions of the United States and more than 100 foreign nations.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. For more than a decade Emory has been named one of the country's top 25 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, a comprehensive metropolitan health care system.

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