Subjective acceptance of 7 Tesla MRI for human imaging

Objective One prerequisite for transferring ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (>3T) into clinical diagnostic workup is a low rate of side effects. To our knowledge, publications of subjective acceptance and willingness to undergo examinations at >3T are rare. We present first results from our research site. Materials and methods Exposure to 7T whole-body MRI of head, extremities, or breast was assessed in 102 subjects. They judged sources of discomfort (examination duration, room temperature) and physiological sensations (vertigo, light flashes) on a 10-point scale, differentiating between examination phases: table stationary or moving. For comparison, the same questionnaire was completed by 43 of these subjects after undergoing a 1.5T examination. Vertigo was the most pronounced sensation at 7T with 5% rating it as very unpleasant (none at 1.5T). This should be compared with the fact that the lengthy exam duration was regarded as even more uncomfortable. Compared to 1.5T, average study duration at 7T was roughly doubled, and 7T elicited a wider range of complaints. Conclusion Although the number of side effects is increased at 7T compared to 1.5T, 7T was well tolerated by the majority of subjects. Further data collection is necessary for better understanding of these effects.