| Magnetic resonance imaging in thoracic disease. |
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Koun Sik Song |
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Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
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| Abstract |
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The role of magnetic resonance(MR) imaging in the evaluation of thoracic disease has been limited Nonetheless, MR has inherent properties of better contrast resolution than CT allowing tissue-specific diagnosis. MR has capability of direct imaging in sagittal, coronal, and oblique planes which provide better anatomic information than axial images of CT such as lesions in the pulmonary apex, aorticopulmonary window, peridiaphragmatic region, and subcarinal region. MR is sensitive to blood flow making it an ideal imaging modality for the evaluation of cardiovascular system of the thorax without the need for intravenous contrast media. Technical developments and better control of motion artifacts have resulted in improved image quality, and clinical applications of MR imaging in thoracic diseases have been expanded. Although MR imaging is considered as a problem-solving tool in patients with equivocal CT findings, MR should be used as the primary imaging modality in the following situations:
1) Evaluation of the cardiovascular abnormalities of the thorax 2) Evaluation of the superior sulcus tumors
3) Evaluation of the chest wall invasion or mediastinal invasion by tumor 4) Evaluation of the posterior mediastinal mass, especially neurogenic tumor
5) Differentiation of fibrosis and residual or recurrent tumor, especially in lymphoma
6) Evaluation of brachial plexopathy With technical developments and fast scan capabilities, clinical indications for. MR imaging in thorax will increase in the area of pulmonary parenchymal and pulmonary vascular imaging. |
| Key Words:
Thorax, Magnetic Resonance(MR), Radiology |
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