Normal Values:

Normal results mean there are no new growths, or problems or changes in the size or position of organs in the chest cavity.

What abnormal results mean:

Results depend on the part of the body being examined and the nature of the problem. Different types of tissues send back different MRI signals. For example, healthy tissue sends back a slightly different signal than cancerous tissue.

An abnormal chest MRI can be due to:

• Abnormal blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary vessels)
• Abnormal growth of cells in the esophagus
• Abnormal lymph nodes
• Aortic dissection
• Aortic stenosis
• Atrial myxoma
• Atrial septal defect
• Bacterial pericarditis
• Bronchial abnormalities
• Bronchiectasis
• Cardiac tamponade
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Constrictive pericarditis
• Cystic lung lesions
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Lung tumors
• Mitral regurgitation - acute
• Mitral regurgitation - chronic
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Other masses or tumors of the chest
• Pericardial effusion
• Pericarditis after heart attack
• Pleural abnormalities, including thickening or pleural effusion
• Pulmonary edema
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Skin lesion of histoplasmosis
• Swollen glands and enlarged lymph nodes in the chest
• SVC obstruction
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Thymus tumor

Consult your health care provider with any questions and concerns.