Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Accuracy of postcontrast 3D turbo spin-echo MR sequence for the detection of enhanced inflammatory lesions in
1From the Departments of Neuroradiology (J.H., E.R., A.-L.B., J.-P.P., X.L.).
Background And Purpose:
Therapeutic strategies for patients with MS partly rely on contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic performance of 3D turbo spin-echo MR imaging with variable refocusing flip angles at 3T for the detection of enhanced inflammatory lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Materials And Methods:
Fifty-six patients with MS were prospectively investigated by using postcontrast T1-weighted axial 2D spin-echo and 3D TSE MR images. The order in which both sequences were performed was randomized. Axial reformats from 3D T1 TSE were generated to match the 2D spin-echo images. The reference standard was defined by using clinical data and all MR images available. Three separate sets of MR images (2D spin-echo images, axial reformats, and multiplanar images from 3D TSE sequences) were examined in a blinded fashion by 2 neuroradiologists separately for the detection of enhanced MS lesions. Image artifacts and contrast were evaluated.
Results:
No artifacts related to vascular pulsation were observed on 3D TSE images, whereas image artifacts were demonstrated on 2D spin-echo images in 41 patients. One hundred twelve enhanced MS lesions were identified in 19 patients. Sixty-four lesions were correctly diagnosed by using 2D spin-echo images; 90, by using 3D TSE axial reformatted views; and 106, by using multiplanar analysis of the 3D TSE sequence. Multiplanar analysis was 94.7% sensitive and 100% specific for the diagnosis of patients with at least 1 enhanced lesion. Contrast of enhanced MS lesions was significantly improved by using the 3D TSE sequence (P < .011).
Conclusions:
The 3D TSE sequence with multiplanar analysis is a useful tool for the detection of enhanced MS lesions.
Insights
Three-dimensional turbo spin-echo (3D TSE) MR imaging effectively detects enhanced lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This advanced technique offers superior diagnostic performance compared to traditional 2D imaging for MS lesion detection.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Contrast-enhanced MRI is crucial for multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutic strategies.
- Accurate detection of inflammatory lesions is essential for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of 3D turbo spin-echo (TSE) MR imaging at 3T for detecting enhanced inflammatory lesions in MS patients.
- To compare the efficacy of 3D TSE with conventional 2D spin-echo sequences.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-six MS patients underwent postcontrast T1-weighted 2D spin-echo and 3D TSE MR imaging.
- Axial reformats from 3D TSE were generated for comparison with 2D images.
- Two neuroradiologists blinded to the sequence performed blinded assessments of enhanced MS lesions.
Main Results:
- 3D TSE imaging showed no vascular pulsation artifacts, unlike 2D spin-echo (present in 41 patients).
- Multiplanar analysis of 3D TSE detected 106 lesions, significantly outperforming 2D spin-echo (64 lesions).
- 3D TSE demonstrated significantly improved contrast for enhanced MS lesions (P < .011).
Conclusions:
- 3D TSE MR imaging with multiplanar analysis is a valuable tool for detecting enhanced MS lesions.
- This technique offers higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying inflammatory lesions in MS.
- Improved lesion detection and contrast enhance diagnostic accuracy in multiple sclerosis management.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI