AuntMinnie.com MRI Insider

Dear MRI Insider,

For several years now, researchers have been investigating causes for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Previous studies have identified concussions and repeated blows to the head as possible catalysts for CTE and possibly dementia among athletes who played contact sports.

But now researchers from the University at Buffalo (UB) are questioning this supposition.

In a series of recently published papers, the UB team reported no significant evidence of neurometabolic, hemodynamic, functional, or structural abnormalities on MRI brain scans that would indicate the presence of CTE or early-onset dementia. Read more about the group's noteworthy findings in our Insider Exclusive.

Speaking of neurological health, heading a soccer ball may not always be the safest play on the pitch. Diffusion-tensor MRI has revealed that female soccer players have more microstructural white-matter changes in brain tissue than their male counterparts.

Elsewhere, researchers from Boston successfully reduced by almost one-third the number of MRI and CT protocols being used in their health network. Find out the secret to their streamlining, which has led to more consistent patient care with less waste.

As beards crop up on men's faces, so does the chance of the facial hair harboring microbes. A novel Swiss-led infection study explored the effect on hospital and MRI hygiene. The findings certainly will be a surprise.

While radiologists still interpret the majority of lower-extremity MRI exams, nonradiologists are reading more of those scans based on the day of the week. See how the work is divided based on the complexity of cases as well.

Finally, a study conducted by Irish and Saudi Arabian researchers of opinions and attitudes among MRI professionals revealed that radiographers have a low participation rate in quality assurance testing and may rely too heavily on equipment vendors for ongoing scanner performance.

Make a visit to the MRI Community at AuntMinnie.com part of your daily routine for the latest news and groundbreaking research from around the world.