Clinical applications of FLAIR, HASTE, and magnetization transfer in neuroimaging.

We review the clinical utility of three commonly used and relatively new magnetic resonance techniques as it pertains to neuroimaging. These techniques include fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) images, half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) images, and magnetization transfer (MT). These techniques may be used to improve image quality and, in some cases, increase the sensitivity and the specificity of magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine.