ABSTRACT
Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance (UHF MR) systems (7 Tesla [7 T] and higher field strength) are expected to yield a twofold-to-threefold improvement in image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over 3 Tesla (3 T) MR scanners. Advances in multichannel radiofrequency (RF) technology provide an additional twofold-to-sixfold improvement in SNR over single-channel RF coils (Wiggins et al., 2005). Many fields require new methods to deal with increased B0 and B1 inhomogeneity, however, and sequences need to be modified to adapt to modified relaxation times of 1H and X nuclei at 7 T. In the following sections, we review the state of the art of 7 T methods and nascent applications in neuroimaging, musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging, studies of metabolism, and oncology.
