MRI and the thorax

In the field of thoracic pathology, the indications for MRI are well established in pleural, mediastinal and vascular disease. Compared to CT, MRI, with its superior contrast resolution, allows better tissue characterization of tumours, as well as an accurate assessment of mediastinal or parietal invasion prior to surgery. MRI is a non-ionizing imaging technique, which can be repeated for the follow-up of aortic diseases such as dissections or aneurysms. Clinicians should be aware of the contraindications to MRI and the adverse effects of gadolinium. (C) 2010 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.