Open AccessCurrent Problems and Future Opportunities of Abdominal Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Higher Field Strengths
Author(s) -
Fabian Springer,
Petros Martirosian,
Andreas Boss,
Claus D. Claussen,
Fritz Schick
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
topics in magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.547
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1536-1004
pISSN - 0899-3459
DOI - 10.1097/rmr.0b013e3181e8f9b9
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , field strength , nuclear magnetic resonance , field (mathematics) , electromagnetic coil , relaxation (psychology) , magnetic field , biomedical engineering , medical physics , computer science , radiology , medicine , physics , electrical engineering , engineering , mathematics , quantum mechanics , pure mathematics
of high-field-strength whole-body MR scanners to clinical routine made abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging widely available. Higher field strength provides improved signal yield, but other issues such as shorter wavelength and increased power deposition of radiofrequency in tissue must also be taken into account. This review describes current problems and future opportunities of abdominal MR imaging at 3.0 T under special consideration of relevant physical properties and technical challenges: impact of higher field strength on signal-to-noise ratio, Larmor frequency, and chemical shift effects are elucidated in detail. Furthermore, changes in longitudinal and transverse relaxation times as well as increased susceptibility effects at 3.0 T are reported. General safety issues and limitations in radiofrequency power deposition are discussed. Subsequently, implications of the previously mentioned changed MR properties at 3.0 T on clinical abdominal examinations applying different sequence types are described.