Optimal detection of infratentorial lesions with a combined dual-echo MRI sequence: "PT2"

Mult Scler. 2016 Sep;22(10):1367-70. doi: 10.1177/1352458515615226. Epub 2015 Nov 9.

Abstract

Background: The infratentorial compartment is cardinal for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. T2-weighted (T2) and proton density-weighted (PD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize infratentorial lesions, but only suboptimally.

Objective: To combine PD and T2 for better lesion assessment.

Methods: T2 and PD from 35 cases were averaged to form "PT2" images. Two raters counted infratentorial lesions and qualitatively assessed their conspicuity.

Results: PT2 showed 244 infratentorial lesions, of which 94% and 74% were seen in PD and T2. PT2 received higher grades for image quality and lesion conspicuity (p < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusion: PT2 could improve our ability to diagnose and monitor MS.

Keywords: MRI; Multiple sclerosis; T2 lesions; infratentorial brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging*