Letter from the Guest Editor

Article Outline

• Copyright

This issue of Seminars in Roentgenology is devoted to a discussion of novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for body imaging. These technologies have developed as a result of high speed scanners and new pulse sequences that are able to image rapidly at high spatial resolution. Applications have been primarily at 1.5 T to date, but extension to 3 T scanners has been demonstrated in most cases.

Cardiovascular imaging is addressed by separate chapters on vascular and cardiac applications. Magnetic resonance angiography has uses throughout the body, and the authors of this chapter, and the others in this issue, are leaders in their field. Cardiac MRI has become increasingly used for identification of myocardial scar, and distinguishing viable from nonviable myocardium. The applications discussed in this chapter demonstrate the wide range of capabilities of this modality.

Small bowel imaging with MRI has been demonstrated to have a high sensitivity for lesion detection. The technique is especially attractive for patients who are younger and may need to undergo repeated examinations. In these individuals, radiation exposure to the critical pelvis regions can be eliminated with MRI.

Finally, this issue includes a discussion of whole body diffusion MRI. This technique shows tremendous potential for rapid identification of abnormal lymphadenopathy in the body, as well as for identification of metastatic disease. The images are very compelling and many centers are now evaluating this latest MRI technology.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge the time and dedication of these authors, as well as the diligent production assistance at the publisher and support and assistance from the series Editor, Dr. Jannette Collins. The reader will be well-rewarded by review of the comprehensive material presented in this issue of Seminars in Roentgenology.