title: MR imaging of the chest: mediastinum and chest wall.
abstract: This review presents the options and limitations of MRI in non-vascular diseases of the mediastinum and the chest wall. In numerous thoracic pathologies, MRI is a useful supplement to spiral CT. This imaging procedure also allows a contrast-media-free differentiation of solid tumors and vascular lesions (e. g., aortic aneurysms). The advantages of MRI over CT are particularly useful when multiplanar tumor imaging is required prior to surgery to establish the exact spatial relationship between tumor and the other mediastinal structures. Primary indications for MRI in diseases of the mediastinum and chest wall are therefore: (a) tumors of the posterior mediastinum for determining their position in relation to the neural foramina and the spinal canal; (b) chest wall tumors; (c) preoperative multiplanar imaging of primary mediastinal tumors; and (d) contraindications against CT exams with iodine contrast media.
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, Universität Köln, D-50924 Köln, Germany.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Landwehr
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Schulte
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lackner
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media