3 Tesla MRI: Higher the better?

Abstract

Until recent past, 3 Tesla (measuring unit of magnetic field strength) magnetic resonance imaging (3T MRI) was only used in research applications. However, as MRI technology evolves, 3T MRI studies (as opposed to 1.5T) are increasingly common in the clinical settings both hospitals and out-patients services. This shift in interest of radiology community from 1.5T to 3T validates the notion that very high filed MRI would be superior to 1.5T for clinical imaging. The higher field strength of 3T MRI (1 T=10,000 Gauss) results in an increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spatial resolution, and speed, all of which may provide substantial benefits. However, radiologists familiar with 3T MRI have cited several limitations to the increased field strength, such as a greater amount of acoustic noise, imaging contrast issues, and safety concerns.