Surface Coil Imaging of the Pulmonary Apex and Thoracic Inlet

Abstract

We applied flexible surface coils for the MR imaging of the pulmonary apex and thoracic inlet, and obtained an improvement of the image quality, permitting detailed imaging analysis of these regions. The soft tissue planes on the pulmonary apex, brachial plexus and the subclavian vessels were clearly shown. The ability of MRI to obtain coronal and sagittal images seemed to enhance the capability of MRI to precisely evaluate the thoracic inlet.