Anatomical Evaluation of the Brain Via Magnetic Resonance Imaging: T1-Weighted Flair Versus T1-Weighted Spin-Echo Pulse Sequences

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of T1-weighted (T1W)/FLAIR (fluid attenuation inversion recovery) imaging in routine brain magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation by comparing the T1W spin-echo (SE) sequence with the T1W rapid FLAIR sequence in terms of identifiability of anatomical structures and image quality. Methods: T1W SE and T1W rapid FLAIR sequences were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed with regard to the identification of anatomical structures, general image quality and presence of artefacts in 30 healthy cases. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values were determined using the signal intensity values of two sequences from equivalent localisations, including the grey substance, white substance and cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the posterior fossa and thalamus. Results: SNR values were significantly higher in T1W SE than in T1W FLAIR sequences at the level of the thalamus and posterior fossa (p