Magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography.

Area of Science:

• Radiology and Medical Imaging
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for thoracic investigations is gaining popularity due to significant advancements in image quality.
• Improvements are driven by faster data acquisition and the routine use of contrast agents, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
• Magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA) was previously limited by motion and signal loss but is now a robust technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review initial efforts and current trends in magnetic resonance imaging for thoracic applications.
• To highlight advancements in fast imaging protocols for pulmonary vasculature using contrast agents.
• To discuss the potential of new MRI techniques for diagnosing challenging pulmonary conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of fast imaging protocols for magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA).
• Focus on the use of contrast agents to improve visualization of the pulmonary vasculature.
• Inclusion of recent developments in magnetic resonance lung perfusion and ventilation scans.

Main Results:

• Fast imaging protocols with contrast agents provide exquisite images of the pulmonary vasculature.
• Magnetic resonance lung perfusion and ventilation scans offer new methods for disease characterization.
• Combined MRPA with perfusion/ventilation scans show promise for diagnosing complex conditions.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in MRI technology have made thoracic imaging, particularly MRPA, a reliable diagnostic tool.
• The integration of MRPA with lung perfusion and ventilation scans represents a significant step forward.
• This combined approach may offer a practical solution for diagnosing difficult conditions like pulmonary embolism.