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Brain: gadolinium-enhanced fast fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery MR imaging
V P Mathews1, K S Caldemeyer, M J Lowe
1Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, University Hospital, Indianapolis 46202-5253, USA.
Radiology
|April 6, 1999
Summary
Gadolinium-enhanced FLAIR MRI is clinically useful for brain imaging. While T1-weighted imaging with MT saturation shows superior enhancement in some cases, fast FLAIR excels at detecting superficial abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI with magnetization transfer (MT) saturation is a standard technique for brain imaging.
- Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) sequences offer different tissue contrast properties that may be advantageous for detecting certain pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of gadolinium-enhanced FLAIR MRI of the brain.
- To compare its diagnostic performance against gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI with MT saturation.
Main Methods:
- 105 patients undergoing gadolinium-enhanced brain imaging were included.
- Both FLAIR and T1-weighted MR imaging with MT saturation were performed pre- and post-gadolinium administration.
- Image analysis focused on the presence and conspicuity of contrast enhancement between the two sequences.
Main Results:
- Thirty-nine studies demonstrated intracranial contrast enhancement.
- Postcontrast fast FLAIR showed superior enhancement in 15 studies, while T1-weighted with MT saturation was superior in 14 studies.
- Superficial enhancement was generally better visualized with postcontrast fast FLAIR.
Conclusions:
- Gadolinium-enhanced fast FLAIR MRI effectively visualizes enhancement due to its T1 contrast properties.
- T1-weighted imaging may be superior for intraparenchymal lesions hyperintense on precontrast FLAIR.
- Postcontrast fast FLAIR is valuable for detecting superficial abnormalities like meningeal disease, avoiding slow-flow vessel enhancement seen on T1-weighted images.