7-T MR--from research to clinical applications?

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Radiology

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance (MR) systems are widely installed globally, with most operating at 1.5 Tesla or lower.
• Experience with 3-T and 7-T scanners indicates a shift towards higher magnetic fields for advanced diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ultrahigh-field MR research, focusing on emerging clinical applications at 7 Tesla.
• To discuss the technical development, advantages, and challenges of 7-T MR systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of technical developments and current status of MR systems.
• Discussion of advantages and challenges including RF inhomogeneity, relaxation times, SNR, susceptibility, chemical shifts, and safety.
• Focus on applications in brain, musculoskeletal, and body imaging.

Main Results:

• 7-T MR shows significant potential for brain imaging and spectroscopy, musculoskeletal imaging, and body imaging.
• Demonstrated advantages in susceptibility-weighted imaging, MR angiography, and functional MRI.
• Exploration of proton (1H) and phosphorus (31P) MR Spectroscopy (MRS) in the brain, and sodium imaging of cartilage.

Conclusions:

• Ultrahigh-field 7-T MR holds significant potential for clinical diagnosis, particularly in neurology and musculoskeletal imaging.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully realize the diagnostic capabilities of 7-T MR systems.