Nuclear magnetic resonance: another new frontier for radiology?

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), an established scientific technique, can now be considered for use in diagnostic radiology because of recent technological advances. Unfortunately, the relevant atomic nuclei detectable by NMR (e.g., 12C, 31P, and 15N) exist in very low concentrations in living subjects except for 1H (protons). Current equipment requires scanning times of several minutes for proton profiles, and even longer for other nuclei. A very important limitation is our lack of information regarding NMR detectable differences in pathologic conditions. While NMR is not currently at a state of diagnostic imaging use, its potential is promising. Research in its use in medicine and funding of engineering and clinical evaluation projects should be encouraged.