ADULT CEREBROVASCULAR-DISEASE - ROLE OF MODIFIED RAPID FLUID-ATTENUATED INVERSION-RECOVERY SEQUENCES

PURPOSE: To compare a rapid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR ) sequence with T1-weighted, fast spin-echo proton density-weighted, a nd T2-weighted images in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease. ME THODS: All patients underwent standard T1-, proton density-, and T2-we ighted fast spin-echo and fast FLAIR MR imaging at 1.5 T. Images were compared for lesion size, location, and conspicuity. RESULTS: Forty-fi ve infarctions were identified on T2-weighted and fast FLAIR sequences . Lesion size was comparable on the proton density-weighted, fast T2-w eighted, and fast FLAIR sequences, although lesion conspicuity was sup erior on the fast FLAIR images in 43 (96%) of the lesions. Associated periventricular and pontine hyperintensities were more extensive on th e fast FLAIR images. CONCLUSION: Our modified fast FLAIR technique pro vided 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.