What information does a chest MRI provide and how can you interpret them?

Chest nuclear (MRI) magnetic resonance is an advanced imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the structures inside the chest cavity.

Unlike conventional radiography or Computed tomography (CT)MRI does not use ionizing radiation, which makes it a safer option for certain categories of patients, such as pregnant women or people who require frequent monitoring.

When is the chest MRI recommended?

Doctors recommend a thoracic MRI in various clinical situations, including:

• Assessment of pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary tumors or chronic inflammation
• Investigating pleural abnormalities including fluid accumulations or pleural thickens
• Analysis of cardiac structures and great blood vessels, especially in cases of aneurysms, congenital malformations or pericardial disorders
• Diagnosis of esophageal diseases or thoracic lymph nodes
• Monitoring the effects of treatment in patients with oncological disorders

The chest MRI can be performed with or without contrast substance, depending on the diagnostic needs. The contrast, usually based on gadoliniu, helps to highlight the fine details of the tissues and to identify more precisely. If you have written recommendation from the specialist doctor, You can make a thoracic MRI at MedLife to benefit from state -of -the -art equipment.

What structures analyze a thoracic MRI?

A thoracic MRI offers detailed images of several essential structures in the chest area, including:

• Lungs and airways-although MRI is not commonly used for lung evaluation (due to the high air content that reduces clarity of images), can be useful in detecting tumors, inflammation or pleural changes.
• The heart and blood vessels-MRI is one of the best methods to evaluate the heart, cardiac wall, valve, blood flow and aorta. It is commonly used to diagnose cardiomyopathies, valvular diseases and inflammation of the pericardium.
• Mediastinum and lymph nodes – mediastinum is the area between the two lungs and contains the heart, trachea, esophagus and lymph nodes. MRI can help identify inflammation, tumors or metastases in this area.
• The spine and thoracic spinal nerves-MRI can detect abnormalities of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and spinal cord, providing essential information in patients with chronic pain or suspicion of vertebral tumors.

Compared to other imaging methods, the MRI offers better differentiation between the types of soft tissues, being essential for the early detection of conditions that can be difficult to identify by computerized x-ray or tomography.

How to interpret the results of a thoracic MRI?

The interpretation of a thoracic MRI is performed by a radiologist, who analyzes the images and drafted a detailed report. The results are then transmitted to the attending physician, which will explain to the patient their significance and establish the following steps.

Here are some essential aspects that frequently occur in thoracic MRI reports and how they can be interpreted:

• Normal pulmonary tissue vs. modified – the lungs must have a homogeneous appearance. Abnormalities such as nodules, tumor masses or fibrosis areas may indicate chronic or neoplastic pulmonary diseases.
• Pleural thickening or accumulations of liquid – can signal the presence of infections, chronic inflammation or oncological disorders.
• Changes in the heart or aorta – ventricular hypertrophy, valvular dysfunction or dilation of large vessels may indicate cardiovascular diseases that require further investigations.
• Increased lymph nodes – can be a sign of an infection, chronic inflammation or even malignant conditions, such as lymphomas or metastases.
• Spine problems – disc hernias, vertebral fractures or spinal cord compression are easy to identify by MRI.

If the results indicate a possible medical problem, the doctor may recommend further investigations, such as biopsies, blood tests or other imaging tests. Also, the treatment will be established according to the diagnosis, being able to include medication, physiotherapy or, in more serious cases, surgery.

The thoracic MRI is an extremely precise imaging method, providing valuable details about the internal structures of the chest cavity. The interpretation of the results requires medical experience, and any finding should be discussed with the specialist doctor to fully understand the implications and treatment options.

Disclaimer: The information in this article does not replace the medical consultation or the specialist’s recommendations.

Sources: https://www.medlife.ro/imagistica-medlife/rmn/rmn-othorace
https://www.medlife.ro/imagistica-medlife/tomography-computerized