Muskuloskeletal MR imaging at 3.0 T: current status and future perspectives

Authors: Bolog, Nicolae; Nanz, Daniel; Weishaupt, Dominik

Source: European Radiology, Volume 16, Number 6, June 2006 , pp. 1298-1307(10)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become an important diagnostic tool in evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. While most examinations are currently performed at magnetic field strengths of 1.5 T or lower, whole-body MR systems operating at 3.0 T have recently become available for clinical use. The higher field strengths promise various benefits, including increased signal-to-noise ratios, enhanced T2* contrast, increased chemical shift resolution, and most likely a better diagnostic performance in various applications. However, the changed T1, T2, and T2* relaxation times, the increased resonance-frequency differences caused by susceptibility and chemical-shift differences, and the increased absorption of radiofrequency (RF) energy by the tissues pose new challenges and/or offer new opportunities for imaging at 3.0 T compared to 1.5 T. Some of these issues have been successfully addressed only in the very recent past. This review discusses technical aspects of 3.0 T imaging as far as they have an impact on clinical routine. An overview of the current data is presented, with a focus on areas where 3.0 T promises equivalent or improved performance compared 1.5 T or lower field strengths.

Keywords: MR imaging; 3 Tesla; Musculoskeletal imaging

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0184-7

Affiliations: 1: Email: dominik.weishaupt@usz.ch

Publication date: 2006-06-01