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3D FLAIRED: 3D fluid attenuated inversion recovery for enhanced detection of lesions in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Polak Paul,
Magnano Christopher,
Zivadinov Robert,
Poloni Guy
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
magnetic resonance in medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.696
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1522-2594
pISSN - 0740-3194
DOI - 10.1002/mrm.23289
Subject(s) - fluid attenuated inversion recovery , multiple sclerosis , lesion , iterated function , context (archaeology) , nuclear medicine , white matter , hyperintensity , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , radiology , computer science , mathematics , pathology , mathematical analysis , paleontology , psychiatry , biology
Contrast optimization of a three‐dimensional (3D) Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence is examined in the context of multiple sclerosis. In order to develop 3D FLAIR for enhanced detection of lesions, an iterative approach based on theoretical considerations was used. The 3D FLAIR sequence was systematically acquired with incremental parameter changes on a single subject with multiple sclerosis in a 3‐T MRI scanner. Region of interest analysis was performed on the images, and the best estimate of the optimal acquisition parameters was established. This process was iterated on subsequent patients with multiple sclerosis until only marginal gains in quality were obtained. Three‐dimensional FLAIR for enhanced detection produced increased lesion detection and identification in the supratentorial and infratentorial regions when compared with default GE 3D FLAIR and two‐dimensional FLAIR sequences. Lesion border delineation was enhanced as evidenced by better lesion and white matter contrast ratios, demonstrating that the approach is a viable method for improved lesion detection. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.