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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
The Optimization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pulse Sequences in Order to Better Detection of Multiple Sclerosis
Z Farshidfar1, F Faeghi2, H R Haghighatkhah3
1MSc of Medical Imaging Technology (MRI), Radiology Department of Paramedical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Background And Objective:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive technique to detect multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques in central nervous system. In some cases, the patients who were suspected to MS, Whereas MRI images are normal, but whether patients don't have MS plaques or MRI images are not enough optimized enough in order to show MS plaques? The aim of the current study is evaluating the efficiency of different MRI sequences in order to better detection of MS plaques.
Materials And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study which was performed at Shohada-E Tajrish in Tehran - Iran hospital between October, 2011 to April, 2012, included 20 patients who suspected to MS disease were selected by the method of random sampling and underwent routine brain Pulse sequences (Axial T2w, Axial T1w, Coronal T2w, Sagittal T1w, Axial FLAIR) by Siemens, Avanto, 1.5 Tesla system. If any lesion which is suspected to the MS disease was observed, additional sequences such as: Sagittal FLAIR Fat Sat, Sagittal PDw-fat Sat, Sagittal PDw-water sat was also performed.
Results:
This study was performed in about 52 lesions and the results in more than 19 lesions showed that, for the Subcortical and Infratentorial areas, PDWw sequence with fat suppression is the best choice, And in nearly 33 plaques located in Periventricular area, FLAIR Fat Sat was the most effective sequence than both PDw fat and water suppression pulse sequences.
Conclusion:
Although large plaques may visible in all images, but important problem in patients with suspected MS is screening the tiny MS plaques. This study showed that for revealing the MS plaques located in the Subcortical and Infratentorial areas, PDw-fat sat is the most effective sequence, and for MS plaques in the periventricular area, FLAIR fat Sat is the best choice.
Insights
Detecting tiny multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques requires optimized MRI sequences. PDw-fat sat is best for subcortical and infratentorial lesions, while FLAIR Fat Sat excels in periventricular areas.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for detecting multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques.
- Challenges exist in visualizing MS plaques, especially small ones, in patients suspected of having MS.
- Optimizing MRI sequences is key to improving diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of various MRI sequences for enhanced detection of MS plaques.
- To identify the optimal MRI sequences for visualizing MS lesions in different brain regions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 20 patients suspected of MS.
- Utilized routine brain MRI sequences (Axial T2w, T1w, FLAIR) on a 1.5 Tesla system.
- Employed additional sequences like Sagittal FLAIR Fat Sat and PDw-fat/water sat for suspected lesions.
Main Results:
- PDw-fat sat sequence demonstrated superior performance for detecting lesions in subcortical and infratentorial areas.
- FLAIR Fat Sat sequence was most effective for identifying plaques in the periventricular region.
- Analysis covered approximately 52 lesions, with specific findings for over 19 and 33 plaques.
Conclusions:
- Standard MRI sequences may miss small MS plaques, posing a diagnostic challenge.
- PDw-fat sat is recommended for MS plaques in subcortical and infratentorial locations.
- FLAIR Fat Sat is the preferred sequence for visualizing MS plaques within the periventricular area.
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