A General Electric 3 Tesla Signa Excite system was installed in the Neuroradiology Unit of Bellaria Hospital, Bologna in February 2004. In line with current legislation, we designed a clinical research project to assess the practical impact of the new device on the investigation of brain tumours, the pituitary gland, rare neurological diseases, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. We describe our preliminary anecdotal findings in the study of brain tumours and the potential impact of 3 T imaging on the preparation and management of neurosurgical candidates. One decisive result to emerge is that the greater awareness of the risks and difficulties entailed in surgical resection help the neurosurgeon establish a more clear-cut relationship with patients on seeking their informed consent. By understanding and accepting the risks involved, we hope to curb the increasing number of legal disputes caused by surgical complications.
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