European journal of radiology
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Comparison of MRI sequences for evaluation of multiple sclerosis of the cervical spinal cord at 3 T.
Debate remains regarding the utility of the traditional STIR (short inversion time recovery) sequence in aiding MRI diagnosis of spinal cord lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and this sequence is not included in the current imaging guidelines. A recent study proposed a T1 weighted STIR as a superior alternative to the traditional STIR and T2 fast spin echo (FSE). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of T2, standard STIR and T1 weighted STIR sequences in the evaluation of MS plaques on our 3 T system. ⋯ This study confirms earlier findings of the traditional STIRs increased sensitivity versus the T2 sequence. However, the new "T1 weighted STIR" appears to be even more sensitive than both these sequences showing potential promise as an alternative method to monitor demyelinating plaques of MS.