[Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical applications].

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging is based on selective excitation of proton magnetic properties by means of a dual magnetic field. In the human body, NMR gives sectional images which represent hydrogen atom densities in the different tissues. The first results obtained in tomography of the brain, spinal cord, intrathoracic and abdominal organs and some vessels have been remarkable. The magnetic fields ans radiofrequency waves involved appear to be harmless. NMR imaging favourably compares with X-ray computerized tomography or with ultrasonography and will no doubt be increasingly used for its special qualities.