Fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery MR sequence in the evaluation of low-grade astrocytomas

Abstract

(Conclusion) Flair was found to be better for detection of the lesion and for definition of its margins in comparison with T2W se and PD sequences (6). Comparing with surrounding white matter, tumors on FLAIR images are isointense or hyperintense. Because of the suppression of CSF signal, contrast between FLAIR is currently used for supplementing basic MRI protocols. FLAIR technique may be used as an adjunct to T2W or PD SE imaging and may even replace PD imaging. FLAIR is superior for appreciation of the lesion and for demonstration of its margin. However, peritumoral edema is clearly demonstrated, and the FLAIR images often delineate edema from tumor, and distinguish CSF from a cystic or necrotic component, better than T2W and PD images. In cases when tumor has a cystic or necrotic component, the signal intensities of such areas are different from that of CSF on FLAIR images. FLAIR demonstrates better local spread of the tumor than T2W and PD images.

Keywords

• astrocytoma
• magnetic resonance imaging