T2 mapping outperforms normalised FLAIR in identifying hippocampal sclerosis
R Rodionov1, P A Bartlett1, Ci He2
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK ; MRI Unit, Epilepsy Society, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, UK.
Neuroimage. Clinical
|April 7, 2015
Summary
T2 mapping is superior to normalized FLAIR signal intensity (nFSI) for detecting hippocampal sclerosis (HS). T2 mapping achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity, while nFSI had lower sensitivity in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- FLAIR MRI is qualitatively sensitive for detecting hippocampal sclerosis (HS).
- Quantitative T2 mapping offers objective measurement and enhanced sensitivity compared to visual T2-weighted scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sensitivity of quantitative normalized FLAIR (nFSI) with T2 mapping for HS detection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of dual echo T2 and FLAIR MRI in 27 HS patients and 14 controls.
- Manual segmentation of hippocampal regions of interest, avoiding CSF.
- Comparison of hippocampal T2 values and nFSI between healthy and sclerotic hippocampi.
Main Results:
- T2 mapping identified HS with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
- Normalized FLAIR signal intensity (nFSI) identified HS with 60% sensitivity and 93% specificity.
Conclusions:
- T2 mapping demonstrates superior sensitivity and specificity for identifying hippocampal sclerosis compared to normalized FLAIR signal intensity.
