Assessment of the importance and impact of the use of Chest Magnetic Resonance in a Cancer Center

Resumo

For several decades, technical limitations discouraged the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of diseases of the chest cavity. However, recent technological advances have made it possible to overcome these challenges, and MRI is currently recognized for offering numerous advantages in chest imaging, such as high resolution, soft tissue contrast and the possibility of functional assessment of the lung and thoracic masses. In this study, the main indications for chest MRI in patients diagnosed with malignancy and its relevant role in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions and in the detection of metastases are described, aiming to identify the main indications and findings of chest MRI and its impact on clinical management of an oncology center. This is a single-center, retrospective, analytical study carried out by reviewing the medical records of all patients diagnosed with cancer undergoing chest MRI at the Department of Images of the AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2014 to December 2016. The main indication for chest MRI was post-treatment follow-up. Chest MRI was most frequently requested by the Departments of Thoracic Surgery and Clinical Oncology. In most cases, chest MRI results led to maintenance of the current treatment plan rather than a change in management. Magnetic resonance imaging has several applications in the assessment of the chest and can be used by different specialties and subspecialties. In the present study, it was concluded that chest MRI was most frequently used for post-treatment follow-up, and the most common response to MRI findings was to continue current treatment.