Authors' recommendations: Although low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not as sensitive as high-field MRI, it does have several advantages including access, affordability and patient tolerance. The use of low-field MRI instead of x-rays for the monitoring of a patient's progress has the advantage that patients are not exposed to high, cumulative levels of ionising radiation, however long image acquisition times remain an issue to be considered. It would also appear that the type of low-field MRI unit that is used for patient assessment is of importance, as those with a restricted field-of-view are less sensitive. As low-field MRI is already in limited use in Australia and has demonstrated that it is useful in the monitoring of patient treatment progression, it is therefore recommended that this report be disseminated to relevant clinical colleges and further research is no longer warranted into this technology.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2009

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)