Imagerie par résonance magnétique thoracique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides excellent contrast between normal and pathologic tissues, identifies vascular structures without the need of intravenous contrast, and is able to image in multiple planes. The ability to distinguish between flowing blood and adjacent tissue allows for the detection of aortic aneurysms and dissections. MRI may be useful in assessing central pulmonary emboli and mediastinal venous obstruction. It is a valuable tool for the investigations of cardiac diseases. In patients with thoracic neoplasia, MRI is more accurate than CT in assessing invasion of the chest wall. MRI is as accurate as CT in assessing most mediastinal pathology. In addition, MRI may be used for the diaphragm pathology and for the characterization of pulmonary nodules.