Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest. Where we stand.

Although the improved soft tissue contrast, multiplanar capacity, intrinsic flow sensitivity, and lack of ionizing radiation make MR an ideal thoracic imaging modality, technical problems resulting from magnetic susceptibility effects and motion have significantly limited its application. Currently, with the exception of cardiovascular applications and assessment of Pancoast tumors, MR remains a secondary imaging modality to chest CT. Research into thoracic MR undoubtedly will expand the current clinical indications. Development of specialized pulse sequences to address the unique problems of MR in the thorax will improve image quality and expand its clinical role. Additionally, MR provides unique information not easily obtainable by other noninvasive imaging modalities, such as quantitative determination of lung water. Further research in this area may provide unique insights into the pathophysiology of chronic interstitial lung disease. As a result, the role of thoracic MR should change significantly by the turn of the century.