MRI Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRI, including details on magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging, brain tumors.

3T MRI: Advances in brain imaging.

Alvarez-Linera J

Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, Hospital Ruber Internacional, La Masó 38, Madrid 28034, Spain.

Since its approval by the FDA in 2000, brain MR imaging at 3.0T has been increasingly used in clinical practice. Theoretically, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a 3T MR scanner will be double that of a 1.5T scanner. However, the relationship between the magnetic field used and the image obtained is very complex. Today, using a 3T magnet in Neuroradiology has far more advantages than disadvantages, and the diagnostic potential of higher strength magnets for structural and vascular scans, diffusion and perfusion imaging, spectroscopy and cortical activation studies is improving. However, it is useful to have an awareness of how increasing field strength affects each of these techniques so that full advantage may be taken of them.

Published 5 May 2008 in Eur J Radiol.
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