High field body MR imaging: preliminary experiences.
Whole-body magnetic resonance (MR) scanners at high field strengths (> or =3 T) have been introduced in expectation of a larger signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which would decrease the length of scan time or improve the spatial resolution. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the high field MR imaging are discussed. Although the building of the radio frequency (RF) coil, safety and the specific absorption rate (SAR) are issues, the application of high field MR imaging is promising. The optimization of all parameters including injection rate of Gd-DTPA is necessary for high field MR imaging to obtain maximal results; however, we hope that high field MR imaging can be used in routine clinical applications in the future.
Uematsu
Hidemasa
H
Department of Radiology, Fukui Medical University, 23 Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui 910-1193, Japan. uematsu@fmsrsa.fukui-med.ac.jp
Takahashi
Masaya
M
Dougherty
Lawrence
L
Hatabu
Hiroto
H
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA