MRI Center Expands to Become One of the Largest in the Country

New York, NY - One of the most advanced diagnostic centers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) and NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) opened a new wing today, bringing diagnostic imaging to new levels with one of the largest concentrations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in the country.

Located in the Neurological Institute of New York in the heart of Washington Heights, the MRI Center at Columbia/NewYork-Presbyterian Advanced Imaging now offers a full range of diagnostic imaging on six state-of-the-art MRI scanners, including three scanners in the newly opened wing. A staff of technicians solely devoted to MRI partner with CUIMC’s subspecialized radiologists to provide better access to diagnostic care for patients in the New York metropolitan area and beyond.

“Our top priorities are access and comfort,” said Noor Ahmad, MD, associate professor of radiology and vice chair of clinical operations for the Department of Radiology at CUIMC. “We’ve designed this center so patients can get high-quality imaging quickly, without long wait times or unnecessary stress.”

A seventh scanner at the center is reserved for dedicated use by the Columbia research community. Using highly specialized MRI techniques, scientists from across the medical center engage in clinical trials to investigate everything from the effects of soccer heading on the brain to bone growth in children.

Magnetic resonance imaging uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of organs and internal structures in the body. MRI scanners are capable of producing very high resolution images which expert radiologists can use to precisely diagnose conditions throughout the body.

The unique setup of housing both patient diagnostics and MRI research in one state-of-the-art center has advantages for patients. New techniques developed by researchers in the Department of Radiology are regularly deployed directly into clinical research and ultimately into patient care. In recent years, MRI Center patients have benefited from up to 20 percent shorter exam times as well as a 50 percent reduced time between scans—improvements which have resulted from a team effort to optimize and standardize most scans. Shorter scan times both improve patient experience and increase patient safety.

The development of deep learning techniques in lesion detection and image reconstruction has also led to further acceleration and an explosion of research and development in the field.

“The research that is happening just steps away from our patients is helping us innovate and improve MRI,” said Stella Kang, MD, professor of radiology and vice chair of clinical research for the Department of Radiology at CUIMC.

“This research is helping us visualize disease earlier and more quickly to better guide treatment.”