7 Tesla MR Imaging for Evaluation of Epilepsy

In patients with medically intractable epilepsy, 7T MR imaging may identify epileptogenic lesions that remain occult at lower magnetic field strengths. The higher signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution available at 7T allow for improved detection of focal cortical dysplasias and other cortical malformations. Detection and characterization of hippocampal abnormalities and cerebral vascular lesions is also superior at 7T MR imaging compared to 3T. Nevertheless, obstacles to widespread adoption include cost, imaging artifacts, and safety concerns related to scanning children as well as individuals with metallic implants. As continued research and development lower these barriers, more seizure patients will benefit from ultrahigh field imaging.