Growing 3T MR Installations Signal Need for High-Field MRI

April 16, 2007- With the 350th installation of the 3T MAGNETOM Trio magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by Siemens Medical Solutions at South Jersey Radiology Associates P.A. in New Jersey, the manufacturer states this demonstrates a need for high-field 3T MRI systems beyond research and as clinical imaging tool.

"The Trio will allow us to advance to the next level by imaging those regions that are still problematic at 1.5T: small joints such as the wrist, forefoot and fingers," said William F. Muhr, Jr., M.D., a radiologist at South Jersey Radiology Associates P.A. "The 3T field strength moves our neuroimaging to the next level with diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tracking. The magnet will also benefit patients with renal impairments who cannot tolerate as much gadolinium contrast. The increased signal-to-noise ratio at 3T allows us to perform body imaging and MRA at reduced contrast doses. While performing these applications, the MAGNETOM Trio also excels at routine knee, hip, spine and brain imaging, allowing us to run a full patient schedule right out of the gate."