Chest MRI shows the lungs, the mediastinum, the pleura and the chest wall. The mediastinum is the space between the lungs. It holds the heart, the large vessels, the trachea, the esophagus, the thymus and the lymph nodes. There is no radiation. At Oberig Clinic we scan on a 3 Tesla machine, and radiologists of the Diagnostic Department read the images.
MRI or CT for the chest?
To be honest, for most lung questions chest CT is still the main test. The lung is mostly air, and air gives almost no MRI signal. Small nodules, emphysema and fine changes in lung tissue show up better on CT, and that is why a good radiologist will sometimes suggest CT even when you came in asking for MRI.
MRI wins with soft tissue and fluid. It tells cyst fluid, fat, blood and tumor tissue apart. It shows whether a mass grows into the chest wall, the vessels or the spine. And there is no radiation. That matters for children, for pregnant women (after the first trimester and only if the doctor agrees) and for anyone who needs repeat scans.
What the scan shows
The scan checks lung masses larger than a few millimeters, fluid around the lungs, pleural thickening, the chest wall, the ribs and the soft tissue. The radiologist also reports lymph node size, the large vessels and the trachea.
MRI helps most with masses on the border between the lung and the chest wall, for example at the top of the lung. The key question there is whether the process has reached the ribs, nerve bundles or vessels, and the treatment plan depends on the answer. Surgeons and oncologists often ask for MRI at exactly this point, after CT has found the mass but left the question of spread open.
When it is ordered
Referrals come from a pulmonologist, an oncologist, a thoracic surgeon or a cardiologist. Typical reasons:
- a mass in the mediastinum or a widened mediastinum on X-ray
- enlarged chest lymph nodes that need a closer look
- mediastinal cysts and changes in the thymus
- a mass found on CT, when cyst, fat and tumor tissue need to be told apart
- checking whether a tumor has grown into the chest wall, vessels or spine
- fluid around the lungs, pleural thickening
- follow-up after treatment without extra radiation
Why MRI is often chosen for the mediastinum
The mediastinum packs many tissues into a small space: vessels, lymph nodes, fat and the thymus. Each gives its own MRI signal. The radiologist can tell a fluid-filled cyst from a solid mass without a needle. That often spares you an unnecessary procedure. Or the opposite: it gets you to a biopsy faster when one is really needed.
In adults, leftover thymus tissue is a common finding. On CT it is often mistaken for a mass. MRI with special sequences shows it is just normal fatty gland tissue, and no further tests are needed.
Do you need contrast?
Some questions get an answer without contrast. The doctor adds it to check the blood supply of a mass, the borders of a tumor, active inflammation or the lymph nodes. A gadolinium-based agent goes into a vein during the scan. It builds up in tissue with strong blood flow. Tumors and inflammation stand out. A fluid cyst stays dark. You need a recent creatinine test to check your kidneys first.
Children and pregnancy
For children, MRI is a way to check mediastinal masses, cysts and birth defects with no radiation. The child must lie still and hold their breath on command. Young children may need sedation, and the doctor decides on that. School-age kids usually just practice holding their breath at home a few days before.
In pregnancy, MRI without contrast can be done when there is a medical reason, mostly after the first trimester. Gadolinium is usually not given to pregnant women. The doctor makes the call, so always mention pregnancy when you book.
How to read the report
The radiologist lists findings zone by zone: lungs, pleura, mediastinum, lymph nodes, chest wall. For each mass you get the size in millimeters, the borders, the signal on different sequences and how it relates to nearby organs. Lymph nodes up to 10 mm across the short axis are usually considered normal, but your doctor gives the final word based on your symptoms and lab tests.
Phrases like "compare with previous studies" or "follow-up in 3-6 months" do not mean something bad was found. The radiologist simply suggests the most accurate way to judge a change. The doctor who referred you reads the report with you and decides what comes next.
Preparation and what to expect
No special preparation. You can eat. Bring your referral and earlier images and reports: X-ray, CT. A comparison often matters more than a single scan.
Before the scan you take off metal items. You lie on your back, and a coil sits on your chest. The operator will ask you to hold your breath for 15-20 seconds several times. The sharper you follow these commands, the clearer the images. The scanner is loud, so you get earplugs or headphones. The scan usually takes 30-40 minutes.
MRI is not safe with a pacemaker, some implants or metal fragments in the body. Mention any implants and pregnancy when you book. Not sure about an implant? Ask the doctor who referred you or the surgeon who placed it before you book, so you do not make a wasted trip.
FAQ
Can I have MRI instead of CT to avoid radiation?
Sometimes, not always. CT is better at finding small lung nodules. For follow-up of a known mediastinal mass, MRI is often the better choice. You can repeat it as often as needed.
Will MRI show pneumonia?
A large area of inflammation will show. But a chest X-ray is usually enough for pneumonia, and CT is used in complex cases.
How much is it with contrast?
Add up two lines of the price list: UAH 4,795 for the scan and UAH 2,745 for contrast, UAH 7,540 in total.
How often can it be repeated?
There is no limit, since there is no radiation. Your doctor sets the interval between follow-up scans, usually from 3 months to a year.
What if I am afraid of tight spaces?
Tell us when you book. The radiographer hears you the whole time through the intercom and can stop the scan at any moment.
When will I get the results?
Within 24 hours, except weekends and public holidays. The doctor who referred you explains the report.
Price at Oberig Clinic
Chest MRI is done on the 3 Tesla scanner. The lungs and the mediastinum are one zone and one price. The doctor decides on contrast, and it is paid separately.
| Test | Price |
|---|
| Chest (lungs, mediastinum), 3 Tesla scanner | UAH 4,795 |
| Contrast enhancement (3 Tesla) | UAH 2,745 |
Prices are from the clinic price list as of 27.10.2026 and may change. Please check the current price with our call center.
Why choose Oberig Clinic
- Two MRI scanners (1.5 and 3 Tesla), a Siemens reference center, protocols of the American College of Radiology.
- Experienced radiologists, led by the Head of the Diagnostic Department Taras Matsiievskyi.
- A pulmonologist, an oncologist, CT and a lab in one clinic. You get the whole workup without travelling around the city.
- Report within 24 hours.
Address: Kyiv, 3 Zoolohichna St., buildings "G" and "V". Book online at https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/ or call +38 044 521 30 03.
