Editorial
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Pediatr. Jun 9, 2024; 13(2): 90641
Published online Jun 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.90641
Potential applications of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in paediatric neuroimaging: Feasibility and challenges
Arosh S Perera Molligoda Arachchige, Letterio S Politi
Arosh S Perera Molligoda Arachchige, Final Year Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20089, Italy
Letterio S Politi, Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
Letterio S Politi, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Milan, Italy
Author contributions: Both authors contributed substantially to the conception or design of the work, and drafting the work or reviewing it critically for important intellectual content.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Letterio S Politi, MD, Full Professor, Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy. letterio.politi@hunimed.eu
Received: December 9, 2023
Revised: January 23, 2024
Accepted: April 2, 2024
Published online: June 9, 2024
Processing time: 180 Days and 22.6 Hours
Abstract

The integration of 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (7 T MRI) in adult patients has marked a revolutionary stride in radiology. In this article we explore the feasibility of 7 T MRI in paediatric practice, emphasizing its feasibility, applications, challenges, and safety considerations. The heightened resolution and tissue contrast of 7 T MRI offer unprecedented diagnostic accuracy, particularly in neuroimaging. Applications range from neuro-oncology to neonatal brain imaging, showcasing its efficacy in detecting subtle structural abnormalities and providing enhanced insights into neurological conditions. Despite the promise, challenges such as high cost, discomfort, and safety concerns necessitate careful consideration. Research suggests that, with precautions, 7 T MRI is feasible in paediatrics, yet ongoing studies and safety assessments are imperative.

Keywords: 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, Pediatric imaging, Feasibility, Challenges

Core Tip: 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to revolutionize paediatric neuroimaging, offering unparalleled clarity and precision given that the necessary safety precautions and challenges are addressed. Its heightened sensitivity reveals subtle structural abnormalities, aids in epilepsy diagnosis, and provides deeper insights into conditions like neuro-oncology. Harnessing the power of ultra-high-field imaging may provide access to a new era of diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic planning for paediatric patients.