MR of the spine with a fast T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence.

Publication/Presentation Date

3-1-1997

Abstract

PURPOSE: To optimize a T1-weighted fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence using computer-simulated data and to study its clinical utility for imaging the spine.

METHODS: Relative signal intensities and contrast of relevant normal and pathologic tissues in the spine were computed using an inversion recovery equation modified to account for a hybrid RARE (rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement) readout. A range of inversion time (TI) and repetition time (TR) pairs that null the signal from CSF was generated. A contrast-optimized heavily T1-weighted fast FLAIR sequence, based on the generated data, was qualitatively compared with conventional T1-weighted spin-echo sequences for imaging various spinal abnormalities.

RESULTS: A T1/TR pair of approximately 862/2000 was extracted from the computer-generated data to produce effective nulling of CSF signal, to achieve heavy T1 weighting, and to optimize contrast between abnormal tissues and cord/bone marrow. Clinical implementation of the optimized T1-weighted fast FLAIR sequence revealed superior contrast at the CSF-cord interface, better conspicuity of lesions of the spinal cord and bone marrow, and reduced hardware-related artifacts as compared with conventional T1-weighted spin-echo sequences.

CONCLUSION: The optimized T1-weighted fast FLAIR technique has definite advantages over spin-echo sequences for imaging the spine. Comparable acquisition times render the FLAIR sequence the method of choice for T1-weighted imaging of the spine.

Volume

18

Issue

3

First Page

447

Last Page

454

ISSN

0195-6108

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

9090401

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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