MRI of intracerebral haematoma at low field (0.15T) using T2 dependent partial saturation sequences

Results of MRI at 0.15T in twelve successive patients with intracerebral haematoma are reviewed. Using T2 weighted spin echo (SE) and partial saturation (PS without a refocussing 180 degree pulse) sequences, low intensity areas were seen in eleven of the twelve cases. These included central regions (three cases), a peripheral rim (seven cases) and more diffuse patterns involving the brainstem and cerebral hemispheres (two cases). One case initially displayed a peripheral rim and later a central low intensity region. Central low intensity regions were seen in acute, subacute, and chronic cases. Follow up in five cases displayed an increase in signal within the haematoma in three cases and a decrease in signal intensity in two cases. Low signal intensity areas can be seen within and around intracerebral haematomas imaged with T2 weighted sequences at low field strength.