Table 1 Indications for lung MRI (in compliant patients)

Situations that warrant the use of MRI

Children

Optional

Pregnant women

Optional

Young patients with need for repeated imaging of the lungs

Optional

To replace CT if contrast media are contra-indicated

Optional

Scientific studies

Optional

Pharmaceutical trials

Optional

In discussion: lung cancer screening

Optional

Indications covered by MRI

Complicated thoracic mass (mediastinum and chest wall invasion)^a

Optional

with advantages over CT

Differentiation of atelectasis and pulmonary mass^a

Optional

Differentiation of mediastinal masses

Optional

Evaluation of respiratory mechanics

No

Diagnosis of pulmonary perfusion deficits (embolism, hypoxic vasoconstriction)

Yes

Cystic fibrosis (with perfusion study)^a

Yes

Indications covered by MRI

Pneumonia

No

as effectively as with CT

Atelectasis

No

(if situation warrants use of MRI)

Cystic fibrosis (without perfusion study)^a

No

Tuberculosis

No

Pulmonary nodules (> 3 mm)

No

Sarcoidosis

Optional

Acute and chronic pulmonary embolism^a

Yes

Abnormalities of pulmonary venous drainage

Yes

Pulmonary arterial aneurysm

Yes

Lung sequestration

Yes

AV malformation (M. Osler)

Yes

Staging of lung cancer

Yes

Vasculitis (e.g. Wegener’s)

Yes

Pleural effusion of unclear origin

Yes

Mesothelioma

Yes

Indications covered less effectively

Pulmonary miconodules (< 3 mm)

Optional

than with CT

Interstitial lung disease^a

Optional

Emphysema/COPD*

Optional