Head and neck high-field imaging: oncology applications

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2012 May;22(2):285-96, xi. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2012.02.013. Epub 2012 Mar 19.

Abstract

Head and neck imaging has benefited from 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, providing faster sequences, better soft tissue evaluation, and 3-axis imaging, with less radiation and iodine-based contrast injection. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved human MR imaging at high-field strength up to 4 T in clinical practice. 3 T MR imaging has become widely available, with the hope of significant advance in the evaluation of the head and neck region. This article reviews the benefits, disadvantages, and challenges of high-field imaging of the head and neck region, focusing on the imaging of head and neck cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*