[Magnetic tomography--new imaging techniques and future perspectives].
BACKGROUND
From the very introduction of MRI into medicine, the modality has presented the user a long list of theoretical tissue contrast parameters. The development of MRI has been aimed at turning these theoretical possibilities into practical options.


METHODS
We give an overview of the new MRI techniques and perspectives for the future based on a literature search and our own experience.


RESULTS
Today, the modality offers state-of-the-art anatomical details as well as visualisation of several functional parameters such as perfusion, diffusion, blood oxygen saturation, and tissue temperature. In the near future, MRI may provide absolute quantification of regional perfusion and rate of oxygen consumption in a clinical setting. New vascular and gastrointestinal contrast media will further increase the sensitivity and specificity of MRI. A continuous increase in imaging speed has made MRI capable of providing adequate "fluoroscopic" guidance during interventional procedures, and real-time diagnostic imaging is only few years ahead.


CONCLUSIONS
The spread of MRI installations will increase as a result of increasing demand for the best and least harmful diagnostic procedure. The main challenge to the MRI community will be to exploit the vast diagnostic possibilities.
Avdeling for medisinsk fysikk og teknikk, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
K I
KI
Gjesdal
H J
HJ
Smith
D001775:Blood Circulation; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D004058:Diffusion; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D010477:Perfusion
D003287:Contrast Media; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins