The field dependence of NMR imaging. II. Arguments concerning an optimal field strength.

Some of the factors involved in the choice of field strength for NMR imaging are examined. The influences of relaxation times and chemical shift upon image quality and signal-to-noise ratio are highlighted, and power deposition is introduced as a significant factor which may limit the flexibility and information available at higher fields as long as 180 degrees echo pulses continue to be necessary. Chemical-shift imaging is examined and found wanting as a means of coping with chemical-shift artifacts, and the use of multiple echoes (albeit with research) in conjunction with multiple-slice techniques is advocated as representing an efficient data-gathering scheme which can improve image signal-to-noise ratio. With such use, a medium field strength (0.5-1 T) is presented as representing, for general purpose imaging of head and torso, the best current compromise when imaging time is of major importance, with the important caveat that new techniques may always invalidate this conclusion.