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Clinical 7-T MRI for neuroradiology: strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing challenges

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Abstract

Since the relatively recent regulatory approval for clinical use in both Europe and North America, 7-Tesla (T) MRI has been adopted for clinical practice at our institution. Based on this experience, this article reviews the unique features of 7-T MRI neuroimaging and addresses the challenges of establishing a 7-T MRI clinical practice. The underlying fundamental physics principals of high-field strength MRI are briefly reviewed. Scanner installation, safety considerations, and artifact mitigation techniques are discussed. Seven-tesla MRI case examples of neurologic diseases including epilepsy, vascular abnormalities, and tumor imaging are presented to illustrate specific applications of 7-T MRI. The advantages of 7-T MRI in conjunction with advanced neuroimaging techniques such as functional MRI are presented. Seven-tesla MRI produces more detailed information and, in some cases, results in specific diagnoses where previous 3-T studies were insufficient. Still, persistent technical issues for 7-T scanning present ongoing challenges for radiologists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Brian J. Burkett, Andrew J. Fagan, Joel P. Felmlee, David F. Black, John I. Lane, John D. Port, Charlotte H. Rydberg & Kirk M. Welker

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  1. Brian J. Burkett
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  2. Andrew J. Fagan
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Correspondence to Brian J. Burkett.

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Key points

• Seven-tesla MRI is a valuable addition to neuroradiology clinical practice which can improve diagnostic capability for certain neurologic diseases where conventional field strength scanning may fail.

• Successful clinical implementation of 7-T MRI requires special consideration of unit siting, patient safety factors, and artifact mitigation techniques.

• Functional MRI at 7-T provides higher signal to noise ratio and blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast, allowing for more specific functional localization in some cases.

• To fully realize the potential of 7-T MRI, unmet needs remain regarding receive coils, safe ancillary equipment and anesthesia capabilities, and expanded use with advanced neuroimaging techniques.

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Burkett, B.J., Fagan, A.J., Felmlee, J.P. et al. Clinical 7-T MRI for neuroradiology: strengths, weaknesses, and ongoing challenges. Neuroradiology 63, 167–177 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-020-02629-z

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