pulmonary disorders
Chest Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Chest
MRI has a relatively limited role in pulmonary imaging but is preferred over CT in specific circumstances, such as assessment of Superior sulcus tumors Possible cysts Lesions that abut the chest wall MRI/MRA of the chest can also be used to diagnose Aortic Dissection . In patients with suspected Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in whom IV contrast agents cannot be used, MRI can sometimes identify large proximal emboli but usually is limited in this disorder. Advantages include absence of radiation exposure, excellent visualization of vascular structures, lack of artifact due to bone, and excellent soft-tissue contrast. Disadvantages include respiratory and cardiac motion, the time it takes to do the procedure, the expense of MRI, and the occasional presence of contraindications, which include many implanted devices and certain metallic foreign bodies. Gadolinium contrast may be harmful to the fetus, so use of contrast is usually avoided in pregnancy. 