Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and MRI for pulmonary nodule assessment

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review advanced imaging of pulmonary nodules, including pathologic and pharmacokinetic background, conventional contrast-enhanced CT and MRI assessment, dynamic contrast-enhanced CT and MRI techniques, and dual-source and area-detector CT systems for pulmonary nodule evaluation. CONCLUSION. Clinicians need to understand the underlying principles and pathologic and pharmacokinetic backgrounds of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI to further improve diagnostic performance. With adjustments in image acquisition and postprocessing, contrast-enhanced CT and MRI, especially the dynamic versions, can have enhanced clinical application for pulmonary nodules and expanded clinical relevance for other thoracic diseases.