Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Early contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery in multiple sclerosis
Hiroshi Kataoka1, Toshiaki Taoka, Satoshi Ueno
1Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. hk55@naramed-u.ac.jp
Objective:
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (contrast FLAIR) is particularly useful for the detection of meningeal lesions. However, whether contrast FLAIR is useful in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains uncertain. This study evaluated the usefulness of contrast FLAIR in MS.
Patients And Methods:
We prospectively studied the clinical histories and brain MRI studies of 6 patients with clinically definite MS diagnosed according to the new McDonald criteria. Contrast FLAIR (repetition time [TR] 9,000 ms; echo time [TE] 120 ms; inversion time [TI] 2,200 ms; 5-mm slice thickness, with a 1-mm interslice gap) was obtained with the use of a bolus of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid.
Results:
Three enhancing plaques located in the periventricular or juxtacortical areas showed higher intensity on contrast FLAIR than on other MR sequences. In contrast, 8 enhancing plaques in the deep white matter or infratentorial areas showed no increased signals on contrast FLAIR.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that early contrast-enhanced imaging with FLAIR may be helpful for the further detection of MS plaques, particularly those located in periventricular and juxtacortical lesions.
Insights
Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI may help detect early multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques. This technique shows higher intensity for periventricular and juxtacortical MS lesions compared to other MRI sequences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective for detecting meningeal lesions.
- Its utility in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI in patients with MS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 6 patients with clinically definite MS.
- Brain MRI including contrast-enhanced FLAIR sequences with gadolinium contrast administration.
Main Results:
- Three enhancing MS plaques in periventricular/juxtacortical areas showed increased intensity on contrast FLAIR.
- Eight enhancing plaques in deep white matter/infratentorial areas did not show increased signals on contrast FLAIR.
Conclusions:
- Early contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI may aid in detecting MS plaques.
- The technique is particularly useful for lesions in periventricular and juxtacortical regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging