Carroll-Callahan Catherine M, Andersson Lars A
Advanced MRI Consulting, Inc., USA.
Radiol Manage. 2004 Mar-Apr;26(2):36-41; quiz 42-4.
Dr. Raymond Damadian performed the first human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in 1977. Unveiled from behind the research curtain, MRI technology was introduced to the clinical environment by the mid 1980s. Most academic and largehospitals lined up right away and purchased their first scanners as soon as they became available. The race began, and the MRI learning process at radiology departments all over the world started. As with any growing technology, came a surge of competition--manufacturers as well as imaging facilities. MRI technology flooded the medical community, since it provided enormous benefits for patients and doctors. It was like a rocket launching with scientists and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) researching, creating and contributing to the advancement of clinical science and forever improved diagnoses. Radiologists at UCLA predict that most of today's procedures currently falling under research will flourish in the clinical setting within the next 5 years. The rise of PET technology and the ability to fuse metabolic images with an anatomical MRI map will undoubtedly prove invaluable for staging of pathology, treatment planning and tracking, especially when the disease is present within soft tissue, like the brain. Another sign that MRI is a healthy addition to medical imaging is the increasing number of MRI reimbursement codes. However, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies are also scrutinizing more and paying less today than they did yesterday. There will always be certain myths about how bigger is always better. That's not to say system enhancements and advancements are not essential to medical imaging, but the needs and budgets differ for each facility. Regardless of site needs or budget, it is imperative that all facilities utilize the equipment they have to their maximum potential. The new "bells and whistles" might not be needed to stay competitive. Innovative technology continues to be available as long as there is a need. However, buying bigger and better doesn't always mean you will utilize what's been bought to its full potential.
雷蒙德·达马迪安博士在1977年进行了首例人体磁共振成像（MRI）扫描。MRI技术从研究幕后走向台前，到20世纪80年代中期被引入临床环境。大多数学术机构和大型医院立即排队，一旦有扫描仪可供购买，就马上购入了他们的第一台。竞赛开始了，世界各地放射科的MRI学习进程也随之启动。与任何不断发展的技术一样，竞争激增——包括制造商和成像设施。MRI技术席卷了医学界，因为它给患者和医生带来了巨大益处。这就如同火箭发射，科学家和原始设备制造商（OEM）进行研究、创造并推动临床科学进步，从而使诊断水平得到了永久性提高。加州大学洛杉矶分校的放射科医生预测，目前大多数仍处于研究阶段的检查方法将在未来5年内广泛应用于临床。正电子发射断层扫描（PET）技术的兴起以及将代谢图像与解剖学MRI图谱融合的能力，无疑将在病理学分期、治疗规划和跟踪方面证明具有不可估量的价值，尤其是当疾病存在于软组织（如大脑）中时。MRI成为医学成像领域有益补充的另一个迹象是，MRI报销代码的数量不断增加。然而，医疗保险、医疗补助和私人保险公司如今也在更严格地审查且支付得比过去更少。关于越大越好，总会存在一些误解。这并不是说系统的增强和进步对医学成像不重要，而是每个机构的需求和预算各不相同。无论机构的需求或预算如何，所有机构都必须充分发挥现有设备的最大潜力，这一点至关重要。保持竞争力可能并不需要新的“花里胡哨的功能”。只要有需求，创新技术就会不断涌现。然而，购买更大更好的设备并不总是意味着你会充分发挥所购设备的全部潜力。
