With the 0.55 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner "Free.Max", anew device concept in the mid-field sector is being introduced into the market. New technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications as well as anew coil concept compensate for the disadvantages of the lower field strength and the widest examination tunnel measuring 80 cm. An initial assessment was made with regard to the suitability of the 0.55 T scanner in the private practise environment. The goal was to analyse whether measurement parameters, examination protocols and image quality meet requirements and expectations. About 2020 examinations were carried out using the Free.Max scanner. To assess the image quality and measurement parameters, about 20% of those patients had previously undergone comparative examinations of the same body parts with comparable examination protocols based on five different 1.5 T scanners in the same practice. This MRI device has the potential to meet the quality standards and expectations of the assessing radiologists. The measurement time is about 30 min per patient. The signal-to-noise ratio does not achieve that of images obtained using high-field scanners but allows for sufficiently safe diagnosis. Susceptibility to motion artefacts is higher and to metal artefacts lower. The concept of flexible coils and atunnel width of 80 cm is perceived as comfortable by patients. The new 0.55 T scanner has the potential to partially replace high-field machines in the private practise setting. The profitability of the device will depend on the cost difference compared to the high-field scanner as longer acquisition times are currently required, which reduces examination frequency. Further developments in the mid-field sector are to be expected.

For masses of the spleen, which are mostly benign, accessory spleens, cysts and hemangiomas should be radiologically described; however, if confirmed further follow-up control is unnecessary. In the case of disseminated small masses, chronic inflammation and granulomatous diseases, such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnostics. Solid masses in the kidneys should always be further clarified, with the exception of a fat-rich angiomyolipoma. For cystic masses of the kidneys, the modified Bosniak classification for computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should be used. Masses of the adrenal glands greater than 10mm in size should be clarified further as well as those where fat is not detected, independent of the size and evidence of malignancy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays acrucial role in musculoskeletal imaging. The high prevalence and pain-related suffering of patients pose a particular challenge concerning availability and turnover times, respectively. Low-field (≤ 1.0 T) MRI has the potential to fulfill these needs. However, during the past three decades, high field systems have increasingly replaced low field systems because of their limitations in image quality. Recent technological advancements in high-performance hard- and software promise musculoskeletal imaging with adequate quality at lower field strengths for several regions and indications. The goal is to provide insight into the advantages and disadvantages of low-field musculoskeletal imaging, discuss the current literature, and include our first experiences with amodern 0.55 T MRI. This review is based on research in various literature databases and our own musculoskeletal imaging experiences with amodern 0.55 T scanner. Most publications pertaining to musculoskeletal imaging at low-field strength MRI are outdated, and studies regarding the diagnostic performance of modern low-field MRI systems are needed. These new systems may complement existing high-field systems and make MRI more accessible, even in low-income countries. From our own experience, modern low-field MRI seems to be adequate in musculoskeletal imaging, especially in acute injuries.

HintergrundDie Untersuchung der Lunge mit der Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) geht mit hohen Herausforderungen einher und konnte sich im klinischen Alltag bisher nicht durchsetzen. Aktuelle Entwicklungen der Niederfeld-MRT, in Kombination mit neuen computergestützten Aufnahme- und Auswertungsalgorithmen, versprechen neue Perspektiven für die bildgebende Diagnostik pulmonaler Erkrankungen.Ziel dieser ArbeitDiese Übersichtsarbeit soll ein Verständnis der physikalischen Vorteile der Niederfeld-MRT für die Lungenbildgebung vermitteln, einen Überblick über die spärlich vorhandenen Vorkenntnisse aus der Literatur bieten und erste Ergebnisse eines neu entwickelten Niederfeld-MRT präsentieren.MethodenInhalte dieses Artikels basieren auf physikalischen Grundlagen, Recherchen in Literaturdatenbanken und eigenen Erfahrungen in der Lungenbildgebung mit einem modernen 0,55-T-MRT.SchlussfolgerungDie Niederfeld-MRT (< 1 T) kann technische und ökonomische Vorteile gegenüber höheren Feldstärken für die Lungenbildgebung haben. Die physikalischen Voraussetzungen sind aufgrund geringerer Suszeptibilitätseffekte, längerer transversaler Relaxationszeiten und niedrigerer spezifischer Absorptionsraten besonders für die Anatomie der Lunge vorteilhaft. Die geringeren Anschaffungs- und Betriebskosten haben zudem ein großes Potenzial, die Verfügbarkeit zu erhöhen und gleichzeitig die Nachhaltigkeit zu verbessern. Durch die Kombination moderner Sequenzen und computergestützter Auswertungen kann die morphologische Bildgebung um orts- und zeitaufgelöste funktionelle Untersuchungen der Lunge ohne Strahlenbelastung ergänzt werden. Sowohl für kritische Szenarien, wie Screening und engmaschiges Therapiemonitoring, als auch für besonders gefährdete Patientengruppen könnten Lücken geschlossen werden. Dazu gehören beispielsweise akute und chronische Lungenerkrankungen bei Kindern oder die Abklärung einer Lungenembolie bei Schwangeren.

Incidentalomas of the parenchymal organs of the abdomen, i.e. radiological findings in these organs that are not the primary focus of the clinical question, are frequent in this region of the body. In particular, findings presumed to be unimportant, such as cystic masses in the liver, the bile duct system or the pancreas, initially appear to be irrelevant in the diagnosis. For the liver we define the mostly clearly diagnosable simple cysts and hemangiomas as leave me alone lesions. Otherwise, we recommend a classification of incidentalomas into the three major categories (<0.5 cm, 0.5-1.5 cm and >1.5 cm) as well as an assessment with respect to clearly benign and suspect imaging characteristics in the context of a classification of patients into three different risk groups.