MRI of the nasopharynx

Magnetic resonance imaging with its superior soft tissue contrast resolution and absence of beam hardening artifacts, combined with its ability to perform multiplanar imaging, is now the method of choice for the primary evaluation of the patient who presents with suspected nasopharyngeal pathology. The relative ease (compared to CT) of localization of the primary process coupled with the exquisite definition of the extent of disease allows the radiologist to play an even more important role in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with nasopharyngeal disease.