Early clinical experience with high-field 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging

Despite early concerns regarding potential tissue attenuation of signal and lack of inherent contrast, magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla has proved to be a valuable extension of magnetic resonance imaging. In this report, we review our initial experience in imaging of the central nervous system, abdomen, chest and pelvis. In the central nervous system, exquisite morphologic detail has been demonstrated. This has added both in terms of sensitivity and specificity to neuroradiologic diagnosis. In the chest and abdomen, despite problems with respiratory and cardiac motion, good morphologic detail can be obtained. In the thorax, our work has demonstrated the ability of magnetic resonance imaging to clearly define the relationship of masses to the hilum and mediastinum. Imaging of the great vessels with magnetic resonance imaging has also proved useful. In the abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging has been useful in looking at the extent of masses identified, in characterizing focal liver masses, and in staging a variety of neoplasms. The high contrast resolution and the ability to image in a variety of planes is particularly helpful in the pelvis. In the male pelvis our work has primarily dealt with staging extracapsular prostatic carcinoma. In the female pelvis, ascertaining the nature of adnexal masses and defining staging primary carcinomas and their response to therapy has been the major thrust of our efforts. Surface coils and other technical improvements will undoubtedly extend the range of application at high field.