The primary reason for increasing the magnetic field strength in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to take advantage of the linear relationship between field strength and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Increased signal can be used to improve spatial and/or temporal resolution. In pediatric imaging, there are a number of unique challenges that can be overcome with by improving spatial and/or temporal resolution.

In their review, Michael Ditchfield, MD, and his coworkers from The Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville, Australia, address basic considerations for pediatric 3-Tesla (3T) MR imaging, list common and potential future applications, and discuss challenges and restrictions. The report was published in the Siemens MR magazine MAGNETOM Flash and can be accessed below.

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^* The safety of imaging fetuses / infants under two years of age has not been established.