Serial isotropic three-dimensional fast FLAIR imaging: using image registration and subtraction to reveal active multiple sclerosis lesions

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2002 Sep;179(3):777-82. doi: 10.2214/ajr.179.3.1790777.

Abstract

Objective: Image registration and subtraction to detect the change of disease burden in multiple sclerosis on serial MR images should benefit from the use of high-resolution isotropic voxels. We compared 1.2-mm isotropic three-dimensional (3D) fast fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images with standard 3-mm two-dimensional spin-echo images for the detection of new or enlarging lesions in longitudinal studies.

Subjects and methods: Serial MR images were obtained at baseline, month 6 (n = 20), and month 7 (n = 16). For the half-yearly intervals, subtracted 3D FLAIR images and T2-weighted spin-echo images were compared. For the monthly intervals, subtracted 3D FLAIR images were compared with triple-dose contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo images. New, enlarging, and enhancing lesions were marked in consensus by two radiologists.

Results: At the half-yearly intervals, 3D FLAIR imaging detected more new or enlarging lesions than T2-weighted spin-echo imaging, both at the initial interpretation (80 vs 52; p < 0.001) and after a side-by-side comparison of the lesions (88 vs 65; p < 0.001). Post hoc analyses showed the largest benefit for new (rather than enlarging), for small, and for temporal lesions. At the monthly intervals, 32 enhancing lesions were detected on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo images versus 20 new or enlarging lesions detected on 3D FLAIR images (p < 0.05). After a side-by-side comparison of the lesions, seven additional lesions were identified on 3D FLAIR images, making the difference with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo images insignificant (27 vs 32; p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Isotropic 3D FLAIR imaging holds great promise for the detection of new or enlarging lesions in multiple sclerosis using registration and subtraction techniques certainly at longer intervals.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Echo-Planar Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors