Related Experiment Videos
Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery MR imaging of gliomatosis cerebri
M Essig1, H P Schlemmer, V Tronnier
1Department of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg. m.essig@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging has been shown to be the most sensitive imaging modality in the assessment of gliomatosis cerebri. Recent studies have shown that fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) is a valuable MR sequence in the delineation of cerebral pathologies including intra-axial tumors. However, no data are available about the role of this novel technique in the assessment of gliomatosis lesions. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the diagnostic potential of FLAIR MR imaging in patients with suspected gliomatosis cerebri. Seven patients suspected of having lesions of gliomatosis cerebri were examined by T1-weighted spin echo (SE), T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE), and FLAIR MR imaging with identical slice parameters. T1 and FLAIR were repeated after contrast media administration. Delineation and extent of gliomatosis were the primary parameters of the image analysis. The FLAIR imaging clearly delineated the extent of gliomatosis lesions in all patients. Due to the suppression of cerebrospinal fluid, the delineation was superior to conventional T2-weighted FSE images. Especially the detection and delineation of cortical spread and the infiltration of the corpus callosum was best seen on FLAIR images. The FLAIR MR imaging is a valuable diagnostic modality in the assessment of patients with gliomatosis cerebri. Due to its better delineation of tumor spread, it was found to be the imaging method of choice and should therefore be integrated into the MR imaging protocol of these patients.
Insights
Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly effective for assessing gliomatosis cerebri. FLAIR MRI offers superior delineation of gliomatosis lesions compared to conventional T2-weighted imaging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for gliomatosis cerebri assessment.
- Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) is a valuable sequence for cerebral pathologies.
- Limited data exists on FLAIR's role in gliomatosis cerebri lesion assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of FLAIR MRI in suspected gliomatosis cerebri.
- To compare FLAIR imaging with conventional MRI sequences for gliomatosis delineation.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with suspected gliomatosis cerebri underwent T1-weighted SE, T2-weighted FSE, and FLAIR MRI.
- Imaging was repeated post-contrast administration.
- Image analysis focused on delineation and extent of gliomatosis lesions.
Main Results:
- FLAIR imaging clearly delineated gliomatosis lesions in all patients.
- FLAIR provided superior delineation compared to T2-weighted FSE due to cerebrospinal fluid suppression.
- Cortical spread and corpus callosum infiltration were best visualized on FLAIR images.
Conclusions:
- FLAIR MRI is a valuable tool for assessing gliomatosis cerebri.
- Its superior delineation of tumor spread makes it the imaging method of choice.
- FLAIR MRI should be integrated into standard imaging protocols for gliomatosis cerebri.