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.
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.
Authors: Lidia M Nagae-Poetscher; Hangyi Jiang; Setsu Wakana; Xavier Golay; Peter C M van Zijl; Susumu Mori Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2004-09 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Andrea Bink; Melanie Schmitt; Jochen Gaa; John P Mugler; Heinrich Lanfermann; Friedhelm E Zanella Journal: Eur Radiol Date: 2006-01-20 Impact factor: 5.315
Authors: A Mike; B I Glanz; P Hildenbrand; D Meier; K Bolden; M Liguori; E Dell'Oglio; B C Healy; R Bakshi; C R G Guttmann Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2011-02-10 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: M L Mandelli; T De Simone; L Minati; M G Bruzzone; C Mariotti; R Fancellu; M Savoiardo; M Grisoli Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2007 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: E S Manova; C A Habib; A S Boikov; M Ayaz; A Khan; W M Kirsch; D K Kido; E M Haacke Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2008-12-26 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Young Jin Heo; Sang Joon Kim; Ho Sung Kim; Choong Gon Choi; Seung Chai Jung; Jung Kyo Lee; Chong Sik Lee; Sun J Chung; So Hyun Cho; Gyoung Ro Lee Journal: Neuroradiology Date: 2015-07-09 Impact factor: 2.804