Clinical applications at ultrahigh field (7  T). Where does it make the difference?

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Commercial 7 Tesla (7T) ultrahigh-field MRI systems are increasingly available for clinical research.
• Higher magnetic field strength (B0) directly correlates with improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling enhanced imaging capabilities.
• Growing interest in 7T MRI stems from its potential for superior morphological, functional, and metabolic assessments compared to lower field strengths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical studies performed at 7T MRI, comparing them with 3T MRI.
• To highlight 7T MRI applications not routinely feasible at 3T.
• To showcase the clinical utility and advancements offered by ultrahigh-field MRI.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical studies utilizing 7T MRI.
• Comparative analysis of imaging results between 7T and 3T MRI systems.
• Focus on neuroimaging, musculoskeletal imaging, and novel multi-nuclear applications.

Main Results:

• 7T MRI provides higher spatial resolution in the brain, musculoskeletal system, and breast.
• Enhanced visualization of cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and microstructures for neurological conditions like dementia and multiple sclerosis.
• Improved pre-surgical evaluation of eloquent areas and visualization of plaque-vessel relationships using susceptibility-weighted imaging.
• Enables advanced multi-nuclear applications like sodium imaging for cartilage repair and phosphorus-31 spectroscopy for liver disease differentiation.

Conclusions:

• 7T MRI demonstrates significant clinical superiority in neuro- and musculoskeletal imaging.
• Ultrahigh-field MRI unlocks advanced diagnostic capabilities, particularly for complex pathologies.
• Further development of whole-body applications is anticipated with advancements in coil technology.