Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the chest

The use of nuclear magnetic resonance to produce diagnostic images of the human chest has just become possible. These images are computer-reconstructed maps of the distribution in tissue of protons and of some of their magnetic characteristics. The images are high resolution and anatomically accurate, are capable of distinguishing many kinds of pathologic tissue from normal, can demonstrate blood flow in large vessels, and may ultimately be enhanced by the use of paramagnetic agents. Information contained within them promises to be of considerable importance in the study of cardiothoracic diseases.