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Published in: European Radiology 12/2010

01-12-2010 | Cardiac

Toward cardiovascular MRI at 7 T: clinical needs, technical solutions and research promises

Authors: Thoralf Niendorf, Daniel K. Sodickson, Gabriele A. Krombach, Jeanette Schulz-Menger

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 12/2010

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Abstract

Objective

To consider potential clinical needs, technical solutions and research promises of ultrahigh-field strength cardiovascular MR (CMR).

Methods

A literature review is given, surveying advantages and disadvantages of CMR at ultrahigh fields (UHF). Key concepts, emerging technologies, practical considerations and applications of UHF CMR are provided. Examples of UHF CMR imaging strategies and their added value are demonstrated, including the numerous unsolved problems. A concluding section explores future directions in UHF CMR.

Results

UHF CMR can be regarded as one of the most challenging MRI applications. Image quality achievable at UHF is not always exclusively defined by signal-to-noise considerations. Some of the inherent advantages of UHF MRI are offset by practical challenges. But UHF CMR can boast advantages over its kindred lower field counterparts by trading the traits of high magnetic fields for increased temporal and/or spatial resolution.

Conclusions

CMR at ultrahigh-field strengths is a powerful motivator, since speed and signal may be invested to overcome the fundamental constraints that continue to hamper traditional CMR. If practical challenges can be overcome, UHF CMR will help to open the door to new approaches for basic science and clinical research.
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Metadata
Title
Toward cardiovascular MRI at 7 T: clinical needs, technical solutions and research promises
Authors
Thoralf Niendorf
Daniel K. Sodickson
Gabriele A. Krombach
Jeanette Schulz-Menger
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 12/2010
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-010-1902-8

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