From Ultrahigh- to Extreme-Field MR: Where Physics, Engineering, Physiology & Medicine Meet
Member-Initiated Symposium

ORGANIZERS: Thoralf Niendorf, Nicola De Zanche, Cornelis van den Berg

Thursday, 21 June 2018

Session Number: MIS-21

Overview
This Symposium was proposed by the High Field Systems & Applications study group.

Ultrahigh field MR (UHF-MR) is moving forward at an amazing speed. With more than 45,000 exams already performed at 7.0 T, the reasons for moving UHF-MR into clinical applications are more compelling than ever. 45,000 sounds like a large number, but in fact we have barely cracked open the door. That makes this a perfect moment for a member initiated symposium (MIS).
The MIS provides an overview of the state of the art and the clinical relevance of UHF-MR. Presentations are devoted to novel methodology, safety topics, clinical experience and future directions of UHF-MR. In doing so, we hope to convince the communities to throw their weight into the task of solving technical problems, identifying key and conceiving new clinical applications. As they are advanced, the MIS will help to push the boundaries of MR physics, MR safety, MR engineering, imaging sciences and biomedical research.

Another reason this MIS is timely is because physicists, engineers, and pioneers from related disciplines have already taken an even further step into the future, with something called Extreme Field MR (EF-MR, B0>11.7 T) to fill a crucial "resolution gap" in our understanding of human biology, physiology and chemistry. To approach this goal, magnet design and RF antennae concepts customized for EF-MR are outlined during the MIS.

This MIS will convey the seeds of this m(v)ission and inspire the ISMRM community – as it has us – to become pioneers of ultrahigh and extreme field MR.

Target Audience
Basic scientists, engineers, translational researchers and clinicians, and, in particular, young scientists and new entrants into the field.

Educational Objectives
As a result of attending this course, participants should be able to:
- Discuss needs of and insights from UHF-MR in a clinical environment;
- Explain and explore clinical applications of UHF-MR;
- Identify the safety and engineering requirements of UHF-MR; and
- Recognize the opportunities for discovery and challenges of extreme field MR.