Seven-T MR knee imaging conquers 1.5T frontier

German researchers have introduced a 7T MRI protocol that allows visualization of all relevant anatomic structures and the most common pathologies of the knee. Seven-T may help imagers overcome 1.5T's inadequacy in small structures like articular cartilage.

Dr. Oliver Kraff's team at the Erwin L. Hahn Institute for MRI at Duisburg-Essen University tested the knee protocol on 10 patients using a Siemens Magnetom 7T whole-body system. The 7T protocol enabled optimal visualization of meniscal tears and cruciate ligaments, with a total data acquisition time of about 45 minutes. Kraff released his findings at the 2007 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine/European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology meeting in May.