The role of techniques characterised by faster acquisition times in the evaluation of multiple sclerosis
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Updated: Oct 29, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
S Warach1, J V Hajnal, M Rovaris
1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods with shorter acquisition times are considered. Fast spin echo sequences allow faster scanning with images comparable with conventional spin echo. Fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fast FLAIR) may provide a more complete picture of multiple sclerosis evolution, but more validation studies are still needed. Faster imaging methods, such as turbogradient spin echo and echo planar imaging, have marked advantages for uncooperative patients for diagnostic purposes and reduced motion related artifacts but may involve sacrifices of signal to noise, contrast, spatial resolution, and image quality. All methods are useful for clinical diagnosis, with fast spin echo generally accepted as equivalent to conventional spin echo. For quantitative evaluation in multiple sclerosis, further work is needed to define the utility of the faster and ultrafast methods.
Insights
Faster magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods offer quicker scans, with fast spin echo comparable to conventional methods. While advanced techniques show promise for multiple sclerosis (MS) evaluation, further validation is needed for quantitative analysis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in medical diagnostics.
- Reducing MRI acquisition times is a significant area of research for improved patient throughput and reduced artifacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate various faster magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.
- To assess the utility of these accelerated MRI methods for clinical diagnosis and specific conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Main Methods:
- Review of fast spin echo (FSE) sequences.
- Evaluation of fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fast FLAIR) sequences.
- Consideration of ultrafast imaging methods like turbogradient spin echo and echo planar imaging.
Main Results:
- Fast spin echo (FSE) sequences provide comparable image quality to conventional spin echo, enabling faster scanning.
- Fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fast FLAIR) shows potential for monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) evolution, requiring further validation.
- Ultrafast methods offer advantages for uncooperative patients and reducing motion artifacts but may compromise signal-to-noise ratio, contrast, and resolution.
Conclusions:
- Faster MRI techniques, particularly fast spin echo (FSE), are generally accepted as equivalent to conventional methods for clinical diagnosis.
- Further research is necessary to establish the quantitative utility of advanced and ultrafast MRI methods for conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
