High Field Brain MRI: Use in Clinical Practice

This richly illustrated book summarizes the state of the art in brain MRI with the 3-Tesla high-field scanner. The aim is to clarify the numerous advantages of using a 3-T high magnetic field MR scanner, especially in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The first section describes techniques for standard MR examination of the brain. Full descriptions are then provided of advanced protocols such as MR angiography, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), MR spectroscopy, MR tractography, and functional imaging. Differences in diagnostic features when performing these examinations at 3 T and at 1.5 T are highlighted. In addition, safety issues relating to the installation and use of a high-field scanner are discussed. The second section then describes and illustrates in detail each of the main clinical applications of 3-T MRI in the human brain: trauma, stroke, white matter disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, inflammatory disease, psychiatric disorders, etc. A final chapter is dedicated to the evaluation of 7-T MRI within both research and potential clinical settings. The book will be a valuable tool for general radiologists, neuroradiologists, trainees, and technicians.

Tommaso Scarabino, MD, currently works at the Radiology/Neuroradiology Department of Andria Hospital, Andria, Italy. Dr. Scarabino has edited 18 previous books and is the author of 80 scientific papers in Italian and international journals as well as 120 book chapters. He has been the scientific coordinator for more than 20 important meetings in Italy and is a regular invited speaker at courses and meetings.

Saverio Pollice, MD, currently works at the Radiology/Neuroradiology Department of Andria Hospital, Andria, Italy. He is the editor of one previous book and co-editor of a further six. He has also published scientific papers in Italian and international journals. Dr. Pollice has been an invited speaker at 20 courses and meetings.

Teresa Popolizio, MD, currently works at the Radiology/Neuroradiology Department of San Giovanni Rotondo Hospital in Italy. To date she has authored 70 scientific papers in Italian and international journals, as wellas 20 book chapters. She has also co-edited one previous book. Dr. Popolizio has been scientific coordinator for six important meetings in Italy and has been an invited speaker at numerous courses and meetings.