A chest MRI scan (also called thoracic MRI) is used to evaluate internal organs located in the chest cavity: lung parenchyma (inside of the lungs), mediastinum (located centrally between the lungs, behind the breastbone and hosts the heart, lymph nodes and large blood vessels).
Indications for a Chest MRI are to detect abnormalities or pathology on the chest wall, lungs (pleura), of the soft tissue around the breastbone (sternum), of the oesophagus or posterior ribs.
It is also performed for disorders of the thymus, which is involved in the body’s immune system. The thymus is located in the mediastinum.
A thoracic MRI is not commonly used to gain detailed information of the morphology and functioning of the heart, as it is a fast-moving organ and requires special settings to allow for sharp images.
Read more about
- Cardiac MRI (MRI of the heart)
- Lung
- Esophagus
- Lymph nodes
Contrast (dye)
Some symptoms and illnesses can be hard to detect even on a MRI scan and require injection of dye (contrast) before or during the scan.
It is particularly helpful in the following conditions:
- Tumours
- Inflammation
- Blood vessels
- Distinguishing between scar tissue and normal organ tissue
The injection is considered very safe for most and you will complete a safety questionnaire detailing your medical history before. The contrast agent (dye) is Gadolinium based and most of it is removed by your kidneys within the next day.
Read more about Gadolinium contrast dye
| Scan Type |
|---|
| Cardiac MRI |
| Heart MRI |
| Lung MRI |
| Lymph nodes MRI |