Clinical applications of 7T MRI in the brain

Abstract

This review illustrates current applications and possible future directions of 7 Tesla (7 T) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the field of brain MRI, in clinical studies as well as clinical practice. With its higher signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) compared to lower field strengths, high resolution, contrast-rich images can be obtained of diverse pathologies, like multiple sclerosis (MS), brain tumours, aging-related changes and cerebrovascular diseases. In some of these diseases, additional pathophysiological information can be gained compared to lower field strengths. Because of clear depiction of small anatomical details, and higher lesion conspicuousness, earlier diagnosis and start of treatment of brain diseases may become possible. Furthermore, additional insight into the pathogenesis of brain diseases obtained with 7 T MRI could be the basis for new treatment developments. However, imaging at high field comes with several limitations, like inhomogeneous transmit fields, a higher specific absorption rate (SAR) and, currently, extensive contraindications for patient scanning. Future studies will be aimed at assessing the advantages and disadvantages of 7 T MRI over lower field strengths in light of clinical applications, specifically the additional diagnostic and prognostic value of 7 T MRI.

7TMRIin focal epilepsy with unrevealing conventional field strength imaging

“…As a result, 7T can provide better depiction of anatomic structures and enhance both detection and characterization of brain lesions, increasing diagnostic confidence. 22,23 By revealing small anatomic details, 7T MRI might therefore detect structural lesions not visible at conventional MRI.…”

“…[21][22][23] Compared to conventional field strengths (1.5-3T), 7T MRI offers higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which enables higher spatial resolution. As a result, 7T can provide better depiction of anatomic structures and enhance both detection and characterization of brain lesions, increasing diagnostic confidence.…”

Safety of Ultra-High Field MRI: What are the Specific Risks?

“…This rapid growth in the number of UHF-MRI sites has quickly led to the development of scanning protocols [1][2][3] and the required hardware (brain [4][5][6], cardiac [7,8], body [9,10], spine [11,12], breast [13,14], and eye [15] ) to enable the use of UHF-MRI in both fundamental and clinical research studies as well as in pilot studies for pure clinical use [16][17][18]. A recent review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of high field MRI [19 •• ].…”

Dendrimer-based magnetic resonance imaging agents for brain cancer

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is, among various methods to image brain tumors, the most common and preferred technique to localize the tumor site and determine the tumor size [16][17][18]. This is because MRI provides exquisite anatomical images and functional information with high spatial resolution in a noninvasive manner yet without harmful radiation [19,20].…”