A vision of 14 T MR for fundamental and clinical science

S. Bates, S.O. Dumoulin, P.J.M. Folkers, Elia Formisano, Rainer Goebel, A. Haghnejad, R.C. Helmich, D. Klomp, A.G. van der Kolk, Y. Li, A. Nederveen, D.G. Norris*, N. Petridou, S. Roell, T.W.J. Scheenen, M.M. Schoonheim, I. Voogt, A. Webb

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

ObjectiveWe outline our vision for a 14 Tesla MR system. This comprises a novel whole-body magnet design utilizing high temperature superconductor; a console and associated electronic equipment; an optimized radiofrequency coil setup for proton measurement in the brain, which also has a local shim capability; and a high-performance gradient set.Research fieldsThe 14 Tesla system can be considered a 'mesocope': a device capable of measuring on biologically relevant scales. In neuroscience the increased spatial resolution will anatomically resolve all layers of the cortex, cerebellum, subcortical structures, and inner nuclei. Spectroscopic imaging will simultaneously measure excitatory and inhibitory activity, characterizing the excitation/inhibition balance of neural circuits. In medical research (including brain disorders) we will visualize fine-grained patterns of structural abnormalities and relate these changes to functional and molecular changes. The significantly increased spectral resolution will make it possible to detect (dynamic changes in) individual metabolites associated with pathological pathways including molecular interactions and dynamic disease processes.ConclusionsThe 14 Tesla system will offer new perspectives in neuroscience and fundamental research. We anticipate that this initiative will usher in a new era of ultra-high-field MR.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)211-225
Number of pages15
JournalMagnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine
Volume36
Issue number2
Early online date10 Apr 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

Keywords

  • Ultra-High Field MRI
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuroscience
  • Brain disorders
  • Medical applications
  • MAGNETIC-RESONANCE
  • HUMAN BRAIN
  • PARKINSONS-DISEASE
  • IN-VIVO
  • MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS
  • FIELD
  • CONTRAST
  • SIGNAL
  • BODY
  • PROGRESSION

Cite this