MRIultralyd

MRIultralyd is a proposed multimodal imaging approach that combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with real-time ultrasound to provide complementary anatomical, functional, and guidance information. The aim is to leverage MRI’s high soft-tissue contrast and functional metrics together with ultrasound’s real-time imaging capabilities for diagnostics and image-guided procedures.

Its implementation can involve co-registration of separately acquired MRI and ultrasound data or the use of MRI-compatible ultrasound hardware enabling simultaneous or near-simultaneous acquisition. This enables real-time needle guidance, targeted biopsies, and image-guided therapies within MRI environments.

Potential applications include oncology (liver, prostate, breast), abdominal and pelvic imaging, and interventional radiology procedures requiring precise localization. MRIultralyd may enhance lesion characterization and treatment planning by integrating MRI’s tissue contrast with real-time ultrasound feedback.

Advantages include improved lesion detection and targeting accuracy, and potential workflow benefits in complex procedures. Challenges encompass hardware compatibility, cost, workflow integration, registration accuracy, motion and artifact management, and safety considerations for combined MRI and ultrasound use.

Status: MRIultralyd remains largely investigational, with reports in small studies and pilot programs. It is not yet widely adopted in routine clinical practice, as researchers work to optimize integration, standardization, and demonstration of clinical value.