7-Tesla MRI Imaging - Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic offers 7-Tesla (7T) MRI imaging for more accurate diagnosis and precision treatment. Our doctors can see highly detailed images of your anatomy within your head and extremities at ultrafine resolution, as never before. Using FDA guidelines, your physician will work with you to determine if a 7T MRI is right for your care.

With 7T MRI at Mayo Clinic:

See subtle brain lesions related to, for example, trauma and multiple sclerosis (MS) that might otherwise be missed.
Better characterize blood vessels, and in some cases, rule out aneurysms that would previously have been indeterminate.
Identify more lesions that cause epilepsy, improving chances of achieving seizure freedom.
Detect small pituitary tumors that would be difficult to see otherwise.
Better image brain aneurysms and certain brain tumors to help guide a personalized treatment plan.
Find seizure generators in the brain that would be difficult to see with standard MRI.
Better vessel wall imaging for Moyamoya disease and other neurovascular conditions for a more precise diagnosis.

At Mayo Clinic, we are using 7T MRI to innovate and transform care for people with a wide array of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, and certain brain and peripheral nerve tumors.

This image displays the radiology scanned imaging from a 3 Tesla MRI. The 3 Tesla MRI, while using a less powerful magnetic field compared to the 7 Tesla MRI, still provides clear and detailed images of the body's interior. It is commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, offering valuable insights for patient care and treatment planning. However, the clarity of the images produced by the 3 Tesla MRI is not as high as that of the 7 Tesla MRI, which can impact the level of detail visible in the scans.

At Mayo Clinic, you’ll have the benefit of collaboration by doctors who are leaders in applying 7T MRI to improve care for our patients. Mayo Clinic is the only institution in the world with three clinical 7T MRIs – one at each major hospital location, including Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Phoenix, Arizona, and Jacksonville, Florida.

Our experts have collaboratively developed rigorous protocols for patient safety and imaging protocols based on the latest science and hands-on experience since FDA approval in 2017.

The use of 7T MRI reduces blurring between the brain’s gray and white matter and enhances detail in cortical imaging, so small MS plaques and their relationship to cerebral veins are more clearly visible. This can lead to earlier detection.

The stronger magnetic field also can be useful in the diagnosis of tiny intracranial bleeds or other diseases of cerebral blood vessels.

With Mayo Clinic, you’ll have the advantage of Mayo Clinic’s knowledge, innovation and experience with 7T MRI to guide your care.

Seeing the Unseen with 7T MRI at Mayo Clinic

Unprecedented Imaging Detail

Seeing the unseeable with new imaging technology.

Leading in Innovation

Transforming Neurological Care

Recognized for Expertise

Many insurance plans accepted.

Contact us to request an appointment.