Pediatric chest MR imaging. Noncardiac clinical uses

MR imaging in the evaluation of noncardiac chest diseases is used primarily to supplement CT examinations. Because of its high soft-tissue contrast and ability to detect flowing blood, MR imaging has significant advantages for assessing tissue characteristics and vascular pathologic conditions. This article reviews imaging techniques and the MR appearance of mediastinal vascular anomalies, mediastinal and chest wall tumors, and post-treatment changes.