[en] In less than 8 years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved from a research tool to a diagnostic imaging modality of major clinical importance. No longer is MRI a supplementary examination. Due to its innate sensitivity to tissue abnormality, MRI should be the first imaging study for suspected intracranial tumor pathology either primary or metastatic. Many technological advances have occurred within the past year which promise to overcome some of MRI's limitations so that it not only compares favorably to but excels the capabilities of computerized tomography. The addition of many sophisticated technologies to a technology of such major clinical importance clearly indicates that the future of MRI is bright and that it is and will undoubtedly continue to be a major and important imaging modality. (Auth.)