MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM - PART 9 - PRIMARY TUMORS

Magnetic resonance imaging, because of its exquisite soft tissue contr ast, has dramatically improved the ability to preoperatively stage pri mary osseous and soft tissue neoplasms, This technique also has allowe d the monitoring of the effects of chemotherapy and the screening for recurrence of neoplasms, The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation of the patient with a suspected primary osseo us or soft tissue neoplasm is outlined, instances where magnetic reson ance imaging potentially may make a specific diagnosis are outlined, t he importance of gadolinium enhancement as an adjunct to native magnet ic resonance imaging is stressed, and an algorithm for follow-up of pa tients after chemotherapy or definitive surgical treatment is presente d, In all cases, the magnetic resonance images should be correlated wi th the plain film, which is still an important aspect of the diagnosis of osseous lesions.