超高磁場MR装置を用いた画像診断技術

Diagnostic imaging plays an essential role in the clinical scene in Japan. Especially, magnetic resonance （MR） is widely accepted as indispensable apparatus for daily clinical activities and researches as both morphological imaging and functional imaging. Considerable numbers of 1.5 T MR imagers have already been installed and their efficacy and clinical evidences are well established in Japanese medical institutes. On the other hand, highly expected ３T MR equipments, which have been introduced to US/EU regions and some Asian countries, are not yet widely accepted in medical exercises in Japan.
The３T MR apparatus provide almost as double quality on the signal to noise ratio （SNR） as 1.5 T, it also has advantages on image quality improvement and measurement time. Besides these classical methods, new functional information may be added to morphological information. However, strong susceptibility and any other effects of ultra high field may cause not only advantages but also disadvantages, respectively. We should develop and practice diagnostic imaging technology to make the best use of advantages and reduce of disadvantages caused by ultra high field. The future of ultra high field MR may be advanced to molecular imaging and may be beyond the PET-CT technique.

四国医学雑誌 : http://www.med.tokushima-u.ac.jp/article/0012780.html