Paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging of the mediastinum and lungs.

The use of paramagnetic contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs and mediastinum has been the subject of preliminary investigation. Gadolinium-DTPA (Gd3+-DTPA) is a suitable intravenous paramagnetic contrast agent for imaging cerebral tumors and liver tumors. Its use in the thorax is more speculative, but early animal experimental data suggest that contrast-enhanced MRI may have a place in the assessment of pulmonary edema and lung parenchymal damage.