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[Detection of cortical infarcts in brain MR imaging: feasibility of short-TR-T2-weighted imaging using a fast spin
T Suzuki1, H Kakiuchi, S Sugiki
1Department of Radiology, Tokyo Medical College.
Abstract:
MRI of the brain using a fast SE sequence is often performed with a TR above 5000 msec, so there is a tendency for the signal of CSF to become too high. However, when cerebral atrophy is marked, small lesions of the brain parenchyma can be hard to detect. Therefore, we examined short-TR-T2-weighted images using a fast spin echo sequence. The 58 subjects included 33 men and 25 women, and cortical infarction was detected in five of them. On the short-TR-T2WI sequences, the infarct lesions were imaged as areas of higher signal intensity than cerebrospinal fluid, the signal of which was reduced. In cortical infarction cases, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images can detect the lesion more easily, but FLAIR sequences cannot be obtained with all MR equipment. Short-TR-T2WI, which readily yields images comparable to those of FLAIR, is an useful method.
Insights
Short-TR-T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) offers a valuable alternative for detecting brain lesions, especially in cases of cerebral atrophy. This method enhances lesion visibility by making them appear brighter than cerebrospinal fluid on MRI scans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Background:
- Standard MRI sequences with long repetition times (TR) can result in high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal, obscuring small brain lesions.
- Cerebral atrophy can further complicate lesion detection by reducing the contrast between lesions and surrounding tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of short-repetition time T2-weighted images (short-TR-T2WI) using a fast spin echo sequence for detecting brain parenchyma lesions.
- To compare the effectiveness of short-TR-T2WI with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences.
Main Methods:
- Acquisition of short-TR-T2WI using a fast spin echo sequence in 58 subjects.
- Analysis of image signal intensity for infarct lesions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Main Results:
- Short-TR-T2WI visualized infarct lesions as areas of higher signal intensity compared to CSF.
- CSF signal intensity was reduced on short-TR-T2WI, improving lesion contrast.
- Lesions were detected in five subjects with cortical infarction.
Conclusions:
- Short-TR-T2WI is an effective method for detecting brain lesions, particularly in patients with cerebral atrophy.
- This technique provides comparable image quality to FLAIR sequences, which are not universally available.
- Short-TR-T2WI represents a useful alternative MRI sequence for neuroradiological assessment.