Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Chest at a Cancer Center

Abstract

Objective: In the present article, we will describe the indications for chest MRI in patients diagnosed with malignancy and its relevant role in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions and in detecting metastases. Materials and methods: Single-center, retrospective, analytical imaging and chart-review study of all patients with a diagnosis of cancer who underwent chest MRI at the Imaging Department of A.C. Camargo Cancer Center from January 2014 through December 2016. Information was collected through an electronic questionnaire and exported to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Data were then processed in Action Stat 3 software. Descriptive analysis was conducted with conventional measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion (range, variance, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation), as well as calculation of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: The leading indication for chest MRI was post-treatment follow-up. Chest MRI was most often requested by the Departments of Thoracic Surgery and Clinical Oncology. In most cases, the results of chest MRI led to maintenance of the current treatment plan rather than a change in management. Conclusion: Magnetic resonance imaging has several applications in evaluation of the chest, and can be used by various specialties and subspecialties. In the present study, post-treatment follow-up and maintenance of current therapy were the most common indication and management, respectively.