Top international radiologists discuss advances in MR imaging techniques at Fortis Symposium

L-R: Dr RK Gupta, Director & HOD –Department of Radiology along with Dr Taro Takahara at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute

At an advanced international symposium on MR imaging, organised by the Fortis Memorial Hospital, senior radiologists from around the world deliberated on the latest advances in MR techniques in neurology and whole body imaging. The key speakers were Dr RK Gupta, HOD, Radiology, Fortis Memorial; Dr Taro Takahara, pioneer of diffusion weighted imaging with background suppression (DWIBS) from Japan and Dr Ponnada Narayana, Professor, University of Texas Health Science Centre, US.

Top doctors at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, also showcased a unique combination of two cutting-edge whole body MR imaging technologies for the first time in the world for the early detection of tumours. These technologies deployed m-DIXON and DWIBS, advancements in magnetic resonance (MR) that provide precision-high resolution images of one millimetre thickness. This enables the sighting and diagnosis of diseased tissues in their infancy, making it possible for targeted therapy solutions to be applied early.

Fortis Memorial Introduces cutting edge imaging technology for early cancer detection

Highlighting the advantages of this new innovation, Dr Gupta said, “Nearly three million people suffer from cancer in India and approximately one million new cases are detected every year. Cancer treatment can be more effective if the disease is diagnosed and treated in its infancy much before the physical symptoms manifest themselves and the disease reaches an advanced uncontrolled state. The fusion of the two cutting edge technologies, m-DIXON and DWIBS, in advanced MR application enables the detection of tiny tumours. One millimeter slicing has been the gold standard in MR investigations, as it provides high resolution images. However the application of these technologies was hitherto limited to specific body parts. With its application on the whole body, tumours or infections that were not revealed in MR imaging earlier, can now be detected easily in as little as 20 minutes and without exposing the patient to radiation.”

Explaining further, Dr Gupta said, “Many times patients who have successfully battled cancer may suffer from remission and other systemic infections like tuberculosis making early diagnosis difficult. With the help of Whole Body MR imaging we are now able to detect and pinpoint the exact cause of the ailment. Naturally, this accelerates the treatment protocols.”

Radiation free MRI provides a high contrast between the different soft tissues of the body, which makes it especially useful in precision imaging of the brain, muscles, the heart, and cancers compared with older medical imaging techniques.

Commenting on the new innovation, Dr Dilpreet Brar, Regional Director, Fortis Memorial said, “At this next-generation quaternary care hospital we innovate and strive for clinical excellence to treat complex medical conditions. Our endeavour is to set new benchmarks and bring in the latest technologies in the world to enhance clinical diagnosis and outcomes.”