Related Experiment Videos
Adult cerebrovascular disease: role of modified rapid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery sequences
J A Alexander1, S Sheppard, P C Davis
1Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga, USA.
Purpose:
To compare a rapid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) sequence with T1-weighted, fast spin-echo proton density-weighted, and T2-weighted images in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease.
Methods:
All patients underwent standard T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted fast spin-echo and fast FLAIR MR imaging at 1.5 T. Images were compared for lesion size, location, and conspicuity.
Results:
Forty-five infarctions were identified on T2-weighted and fast FLAIR sequences. Lesion size was comparable on the proton density-weighted, fast T2-weighted, and fast FLAIR sequences, although lesion conspicuity was superior on the fast FLAIR images in 43 (96%) of the lesions. Associated periventricular and pontine hyperintensities were more extensive on the fast FLAIR images.
Conclusion:
Our modified fast FLAIR technique provided improved conspicuity of infarctions and white matter disease as compared with T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted spin-echo images, and a reduced scan time compared with conventional FLAIR sequences in patients with cerebrovascular disease.