Magnetic resonance spine localizers – The “forgotten” treasure

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) localizer images form a very small but important part of the MR of the spine. Often overlooked, these limited, low spatial resolution, and high field-of-view images enable the radiologist to diagnose additional pathologies in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, as well as in the soft tissue and bones. These are unsuspected but can be critical for patient management, reducing patient morbidity and probably mortality.