All MRI machines are not equal?

[jjs]

I have learned in the past on this forum that all MRI machines are not equal. Can someone in the know please school me on what MRIs are better than others? Something like a "good, better, best" list??

Thanks!

[502E79]

Try the archives for info, a quick look resulted in this Thread:

Need an MRI - Where to find Tesla 5 or 7 MRI

The thread is from '12 but the thinking remains similar....

[Mamabug]

Here is a link to the above-mentioned thread:
https://msworld.org/forum/showthread...sla-5-or-7-MRI

[jjs]

Here is a link to the above-mentioned thread:
https://msworld.org/forum/showthread...sla-5-or-7-MRI

Thank you. So, the 3T machines are still the "gold standard"? That particular thread is almost 6 years old, but I assume nothing has changed. I'll ask the neuro which machine they use.

Thanks again!!

[KoKo]

Hi jjs

The Cleveland Clinic has a 7T MRI scanner, but according to this article, their use is limited.

This info is from the article Ultra-High-Field MRI:

The rationale for 7T

"The principal clinical advantage of 7T imaging stems from increased spatial resolution, including both in-plane voxel spacing and slice thickness. Initial experience suggests that although few lesions are seen at 7T that are not visible at a lower magnetic field, those seen at a higher field are seen with higher resolution and greater neuropathology detail — sometimes leading to an altered diagnosis not appreciated at lower fields. For example, 7T is superior for visualization of microhemorrhages, and it can reveal an increased extent of traumatic brain injury than is seen at lower fields."

https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.or...lity-neuro-car

My interpretation is that if there are lesions present, they will be visible at a lower magnetic field. However, the 7T would give more detail of those lesions if they are questionable, and if needed for a diagnosis.

Take Care

[jjs]

My interpretation is that if there are lesions present, they will be visible at a lower magnetic field. However, the 7T would give more detail of those lesions if they are questionable, and if needed for a diagnosis.

Makes total sense; thank you!!

[Seasha]

Here's another article I just received in my email from NMSS about mri's and also some possible safety concerns using gadolinium contrast agents with an mri

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sy...sing-Tools/MRI -

Scroll down to Different scan types provide different information and read below for more information.

[jjs]

...and also some possible safety concerns using gadolinium contrast agents with an mri

Oh dear. More to worry about!!!
Thanks - I'll check it out

[Seasha]

Oh dear. More to worry about!!!
Thanks - I'll check it out

As in all things, I think that being informed is much better than the worrying.

Take care now!