Radiology, Vol 153, 729-735, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
Coronal magnetic resonance imaging of the chest: normal and abnormal
WR Webb, BG Jensen, G Gamsu, R Sollitto and EH Moore
In order to determine the value of coronal magnetic resonance (MR) in
diagnosing thoracic abnormalities, the multisection coronal spin echo MR
images were reviewed of 10 normal subjects and 20 patients with thoracic
abnormalities. In the abnormal patients, coronal images were compared with
transaxial MR images obtained with TR values of 0.5 and 2.0 sec. In
general, coronal imaging was of value in several situations. It allowed
structures oriented in the coronal plane to be imaged along their
longitudinal axes, provided an additional perspective and increased the
confidence of diagnosis, and helped clarify anatomic relationships
difficult or impossible to resolve on transaxial images because of volume
averaging. Specifically, coronal images were sometimes superior to
transaxial images in evaluating the aorticopulmonary window and masses at
the lung apex or base. Transaxial images were often superior in evaluating
the pretracheal space, subcarinal space, and hili. Within the pulmonary
hili, lateral hilar masses were better defined on coronal images than were
anterior or posterior hilar masses. Coronal images obtained with a TR of
1.0 sec (10 sections) allow evaluation of most node-bearing mediastinal
compartments and provide adequate mass/fat contrast.
