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The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Research

Role of contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI in diagnosis of intracranial lesions

Authors: Wessam Mustafa, Sherif Ali, Nadia Elgendy, Samer Salama, Lamiaa El Sorogy, Mohamed Mohsen

Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

MR imaging plays a significant role in detection and characterization of different brain diseases. The role of the post-contrast T1-weighted image magnetic resonance imaging (T1W MRI) sequence has been widely established in previous studies and clinical practice. In this study, we aim to share our experience as regards the added value of contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (CE-FLAIR) sequence in the diagnosis of various intracranial pathological conditions and evaluate its usefulness in comparison with post-contrast T1W images.

Results

Based on the final radiological diagnosis, the total cases were subdivided into three categories, and the majority of our cases were tumors (81.2%), followed by multiple sclerosis (11.8%), and the least was central nervous system infection (7.1%). CE-FLAIR showed superior enhancement in 35 cases (50.7) and equal enhancement in 25 cases (36.3%). However, it showed less enhancement than post-contrast T1W images in 9 cases (13%). Excellent inter-observer agreement (97.65%) was noted. Regarding lesion conspicuity, good delineation was found in the majority of cases (64.7%), fair delineation in 12.9%, and no delineation in 22.4%. A statistically significant difference was found in signal intensity of lesion between pre- and post-contrast FLAIR sequences. Contrast to background ratio was statistically significant in CE FLAIR images in comparison to CE T1 images.

Conclusion

CE-FLAIR imaging should be used as a routine or adjunctive sequence to CE-T1WI to enhance early detection and increase the diagnostic confidence in MRI examination of different brain pathological conditions.

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Title: Role of contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI in diagnosis of intracranial lesions
Authors: Wessam Mustafa
Sherif Ali
Nadia Elgendy
Samer Salama
Lamiaa El Sorogy
Mohamed Mohsen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Multiple Sclerosis
Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1687-8329
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41983-021-00360-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Role of contrast-enhanced FLAIR MRI in diagnosis of intracranial lesions

Abstract

Background

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Results

Conclusion

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