Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Soft Tissue Masses

Soft tissue masses are a common problem encountered in clinical and radiologic practice. Timely and appropriate imaging is thus imperative. Technologic advances have provided a wide array of assessment tools necessitating knowledge of imaging appropriateness. While characterization remains problematic, MRI is a well-established modality in the detection and staging of musculoskeletal lesions. Equally important is an understanding of MR limitations and artifacts. We will review the role of MRI in the initial detection and characterization of a soft tissue mass as well as posttreatment evaluation, and provide an overview of the fundamental concepts of image acquisition, the role of conventional and quantitative sequences, and common and uncommon artifacts.
Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Issue 52/4 - MSK Source Type: research