Delayed post contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients: Is it of value?

Abstract

Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to assess the rule of delayed T1 post contrast sequence in detection of active lesions in multiple sclerosis patients by comparing the early and delayed T1 post contrast images. Materials: This was a prospective study and included 30 known multiple sclerosis patients with clinically suspected activity referred form neurology department to radiology department for MRI examination. Methods: All patients were subjected to the followings:– Conventional routine MRI of the brain using 1.5 T machine.– T1 delayed post contrast sequence (about 10 min after contrast injection). Results: The included MS cases showed 162 lesions of variable distribution as 113 lesions were supratentorial while 49 lesions were infratentorial. Among 162 lesions in the current cases 58 lesions showed post contrast enhancement while the remaining 104 lesions were non enhancing. From the total of enhancing lesions (58), 16 lesions showed early enhancement while 42 lesions showed delayed enhancement. Conclusion: Delayed T1 post contrast is an important sequence for detection of active MS plaques as it increases the sensitivity of MRI. Keywords: Delayed T1 post contrast, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Delayed enhancement, MS activity