A closer look: pediatric neuroimaging at 7T
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Published on: February 19, 2021
Emil Jernstedt Barkovich1,2, Maria Camila Cortes-Albornoz3,4, Fedel Machado-Rivas3,4
1Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA. ebarkovich@mgh.harvard.edu.
Insights
Seven Tesla (7T) MRI offers superior image quality for pediatric neuroradiology, despite limited clinical use. This review covers 7T principles, techniques, and applications for conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis in children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neuroradiology
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Seven Tesla (7T) MRI provides enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and tissue contrast compared to standard field strengths.
- Clinical adoption of 7T systems in pediatric neuroradiology remains limited due to various factors.
- Understanding 7T principles and safety is crucial for its integration into pediatric neuroimaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principles and techniques enabling improved image quality at 7T MRI.
- To highlight specific high-performance MRI sequences applicable to pediatric neuroradiology.
- To explore current and future clinical applications of 7T neuroimaging in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of 7T hardware, regulatory considerations, and pediatric safety protocols.
- Review of fundamental principles of 7T imaging and its impact on image quality.
- Presentation of advanced sequences (MP2RAGE, T2/T2*-weighted, MR angiography) with comparative imaging.
Main Results:
- 7T MRI demonstrates potential for superior visualization of brain structures and pathologies.
- Specific sequences like MP2RAGE and T2*-weighted imaging show promise for detailed assessment.
- Clinical applications in focal epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases, and microbleeds are emerging.
Conclusions:
- 7T MRI offers significant advantages for pediatric neuroradiology, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
- Continued innovation in hardware and sequence development will expand 7T applications in pediatric neuroimaging.
- Addressing safety and technical challenges will facilitate wider clinical implementation of 7T in children.
Abstract:
Although 7 Tesla (7T) field strength MR imaging offers higher signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution and improves certain types of tissue contrast, the incorporation of these systems into clinical pediatric neuroradiology has been relatively limited. Following a discussion of available hardware, current regulations, and pediatric specific safety considerations, this article briefly reviews the underlying principles behind the improved image quality attainable with certain techniques at 7T. Subsequently, specific high-performance sequences and techniques are highlighted including MP2RAGE, T2-weighted, and T2*-weighted sequences as well as MR angiography, all with sample images and comparison with standard field strengths. Finally, current clinical neuroradiological applications of 7T are explored with particular focus on focal epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases, and cerebral microbleeds. Ongoing and future innovations in hardware design and sequence development promise continued advancement in 7T neuroimaging and further applications to pediatric neuroradiology.
