The authors analyze the advantages of MR imaging in the detection, staging and follow-up of malignant soft-tissue sarcomas. The role of MR imaging is retrospectively evaluated in 34 patients (16 men and 18 women) ranging in age from 3 to 82 years (mean: 38); 19 of them had a primary neoplasm, while the extant 15 patients were examined after surgery, and residual or recurrent tumors were present. Ten examinations were performed on an 0.5 T imager (CGR Magniscan 5000), and 27 were obtained with a 1.5 T system (Magnetom 42 SP Siemens). In all cases T1 and T2 sequences were acquired; in 3 patients T1-weighted sequences were performed after Gd-DTPA administration. In the 19 patients with primary tumors pathologic specimens were obtained. The value of MR imaging in the evaluation and characterization of soft-tissue sarcomas and its capabilities in detecting neurovascular encasement and bone involvement are discussed. Post-Gd-DTPA scans may help in the differentiation of necrotic areas from active tumors. MR diagnostic criteria of malignancy, including tissue heterogeneity and irregular margins, were not fulfilled in 3 of the studied cases.