Neurologist Requested a 3 Tesla MRI — Given the Loudness, I Decided Not to Go for It

Is this what you are talking about, @Jack Straw?

Silent zero TE MR neuroimaging: Current state-of-the-art and future directions - ScienceDirect

 

Is this technology in active use today and what sound levels are being quoted?

Thanks,
George

 

Yeah if this is in use, I need one bad. Been avoiding MRIs because of my nox. Nobody where I live has heard about them. Probably in the next 5-10 years they will start getting sold more.

 

In the meantime Canon Vantage machines with Pianissimo hardware technology (magnets in a vacuum) and even better with Pianissimo Zen software technology is probably the quietest. I found one at a nearby hospital and we are trying to see if Mayo can send me there. If not I may go with a CT scan.

George

 

The Toshiba/Canon Vantage machines with Pianissimo technology has a peak sound pressure level of about 85 decibels for a head study. Average equivalent intensity is a little less. Foam earplugs are needed.

 

Do you know if all Canon Vantage models have this benefit? The one I have located locally is a Titan.

Thanks,
George

 

Software is same - Pianissimo.

The only difference is pulse sequences are slightly closer together with Vantage MRIs.

The Pianissimo's were designed to spread out pulse sequences. This is better for traumatized patients.

 

My understanding is that there is hardware Pianissimo technology - magnets in vacuum chambers, and the possibility of adding Pianissimo software technology - Zen Pianissimo which changes the sequences to make them even more quiet.

Do all Vantage machines have both?

George

 

Cool, let me know if you end up doing it! Normally doubling up with a quieter one should be ok but I have severe noxacusis. Definitely not worth a risk for now if it’s loud.

 

Ya I have tinnitus/hyperacusis/noxacusis myself so there is risk. Given my multiple cancers they are wanting to rule out acoustic neuroma. The question of course is, is it worth the risk?

George

 

Ah I’m sorry to hear about that. I can’t imagine having cancer on top of this.

Definitely weigh your choices. I read about a guy who had cancer and did all this chemo, then got catastrophic noxacusis and tinnitus after it. He said he would take the cancer again over what he had. Poor guy. Sometimes there’s no choice if people want to survive.

It’s pretty unlikely to get an acoustic neuroma, any other ways of ruling one out?

You probably already did them. CT contrast? Has to be more tests.

 

We are looking into CT with contrast, especially since my ENT wants a CT of the sinuses.

George

 

Has your visual snow improved since you got it?

 

Ugh. I had an MRI prescribed that I have been putting off / debating for a while. Not a head MRI, but something to rule out an unlikely cancer that I do have a family history of. There isn't really any other good alternative other than a somewhat invasive biopsy.