High-field-strength magnetic resonance: potential and limits.
OBJECTIVE
To expatiate on the possible advantages and disadvantages of high magnetic field strengths for magnetic resonance imaging and, in particular, for magnetic resonance angiography.


RESULTS
A review of the available literature is given, presenting many of the advantages and disadvantages of imaging at higher field strengths. Focus is put on imaging at 3 to 7 T. Early results at 7 T are presented; these results indicate that several of the angiographic techniques commonly used at lower field strengths show promise for improvement by taking advantage of the higher signal and susceptibility sensitivity at 7 T.


CONCLUSIONS
The drive toward higher field strengths, both for the purpose of fundamental research and for clinical diagnostic imaging, is likely to continue. New applications using the unique properties of high field strength will almost certainly emerge as researchers gain more experience. The ultimate limiting factor is likely to be the physiological effects at high field strengths. However, this limit seems to lie at field strengths higher than 7 T because early experience shows good tolerance of 7 T examinations.
Ladd
Mark E
ME
Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. mark.ladd@uni-duisburg-essen.de
D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D003287:Contrast Media; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D003287:Contrast Media