Tracheobronchial tree and pulmonary arteries: MR imaging using electronic axial rotation

Standard coronal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging cannot depict long segments of the tracheobronchial tree and left pulmonary artery owing to the normal thoracic kyphosis and posteriorly angled course of these structures. By the use of electronic axial rotation (EAR), however, MR is capable of imaging any plane. We used EAR in 25 patients undergoing MR examinations of the thorax. This technique allowed superior definition of the longitudinal axis of the tracheobronchial tree and left pulmonary artery. The right pulmonary artery was satisfactorily imaged by the standard coronal plane.