RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Comparison of 3D FLAIR, 2D FLAIR, and 2D T2-Weighted MR Imaging of Brain Stem Anatomy
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 922
OP 927
DO 10.3174/ajnr.A2874
VO 33
IS 5
A1 M. Kitajima
A1 T. Hirai
A1 Y. Shigematsu
A1 H. Uetani
A1 K. Iwashita
A1 K. Morita
A1 M. Komi
A1 Y. Yamashita
YR 2012
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/33/5/922.abstract
AB BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although 3D FLAIR imaging visualizes detailed structures of the brain stem, it has not been used to evaluate its normal anatomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether 3D FLAIR images can provide more detailed anatomic information of the brain stem than 2D FLAIR and 2D T2WI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated MR images in 10 healthy volunteers. 3D and 2D FLAIR images, 2D T2WI, and DTI were obtained on a 3T MR imaging scanner. A VISTA technique was used for 3D FLAIR imaging. White matter tracts and nuclei of the brain stem were determined on 3D and 2D FLAIR images and 2D T2WI by referring to anatomic atlases and DTI color maps. The subjective assessment of the visibility by using a 4-point grading system and the contrast ratio of the structures on 3D and 2D FLAIR images and 2D T2WI were evaluated. RESULTS: The visibility of the SCP and MCP, DSCP, CST, and CTT was higher on 3D FLAIR images than on 2D T2WI and 2D FLAIR images. The contrast ratio for the CST, SCP, MCP, DSCP, and CTT was significantly different on 3D FLAIR images and 2D T2WI and on 3D FLAIR and 2D FLAIR images; there was no significant difference in contrast ratio for the SCP at the pons on 3D FLAIR and 2D T2WI. CONCLUSIONS: 3D FLAIR images provide detailed anatomic information of the brain stem that cannot be obtained on 2D T2WI and 2D FLAIR images. CSTcorticospinal tractCTTcentral tegmental tractDSCPdecussation of the superior cerebellar peduncleMCPmiddle cerebellar peduncleMLmedial lemniscusRNred nucleusSCPsuperior cerebellar peduncleSENSEsensitivity encodingSIsignal intensitySNsubstantia nigraVISTAvolume isotropic turbo spin-echo acquisition