Adult cerebrovascular disease: role of modified rapid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery sequences.

PURPOSE To compare a rapid fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) sequence with T1-weighted, fast spin-echo proton density-weighted, and T2-weighted images in the evaluation of cerebrovascular disease. METHODS All patients underwent standard T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted fast spin-echo and fast FLAIR MR imaging at 1.5 T. Images were compared for lesion size, location, and conspicuity. RESULTS Forty-five infarctions were identified on T2-weighted and fast FLAIR sequences. Lesion size was comparable on the proton density-weighted, fast T2-weighted, and fast FLAIR sequences, although lesion conspicuity was superior on the fast FLAIR images in 43 (96%) of the lesions. Associated periventricular and pontine hyperintensities were more extensive on the fast FLAIR images. CONCLUSION Our modified fast FLAIR technique provided improved conspicuity of infarctions and white matter disease as compared with T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted spin-echo images, and a reduced scan time compared with conventional FLAIR sequences in patients with cerebrovascular disease.