[MRI of the thorax: current applications and perspectives]

Magnetic resonance imaging is an accurate technique in chest investigation, but is used less frequently than computed tomography. The sequences currently available allow visualisation of the mediastinum and chest wall. The most important clinical applications concern staging of tumours of the lung apex, evaluation of mediastinal tumours occupying the posterior mediastinum and laterocardiac region, noninvasive investigation of acquired and congenital lesions of the aorta. The applications of MRI will probably be modified if investigation of the lung is made possible by the use of new sequences.