Thorax (Mediastinum) MRI provides detailed evaluation of the structures within the chest, including the mediastinum, heart-adjacent soft tissues, lymph nodes, thymus, esophagus, and major vessels. It is particularly useful for characterizing mediastinal masses, lymphadenopathy, congenital abnormalities, inflammatory conditions, and tumors, especially when soft tissue contrast is essential or when radiation exposure should be minimized. MRI may also be used for follow-up and problem-solving when CT findings are indeterminate.

Important note: MRI is not the optimal imaging modality for evaluating lung tissue. If the primary clinical concern involves the lungs (such as pulmonary nodules or lung parenchymal disease), a CT scan is typically the most appropriate examination. Thorax (mediastinum) MRI is primarily used to assess mediastinal and chest soft tissue structures, where MRI provides superior tissue characterization.