Magnetic Resonance Imaging of soft tissue, bone and non-seminomatous testicular tumors. MRI evaluation before and after therapy.

This thesis describes five prospective studies questioning the value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnostic and treatment evaluation of soft tissue, bone and non-seminomatous testicular tumors. Compared with other imaging techniques, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is relatively new. Consequently, the technical possibilities are far from exhausted and clinical experience is far from complete. Nevertheless, in many respects MRI is equivalent or even superior to conventional roentgenography or CT scanning. Also, so far, no adverse effects of MRI have been demonstrated. In osteosarcoma as well as in metastasized non-seminomatous testicular tumor, changes in the tumor in the course of chemotherapy could be observed with MRI. Further research, both clinical and technical, will be needed to find correlations between these changes and the morbid-anatomical lesions. The technical evolution proceeds very fast and, if no adverse effects are found in the future, either, clinical application of Magnetic Resonance holds good prospects. ... Zie: Summary.