rss
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1998;64:197-203 doi:10.1136/jnnp.64.2.197
  • Paper

MRI lesion volume measurement in multiple sclerosis and its correlation with disability: a comparison of fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fFLAIR) and spin echo sequences

  1. M L Gawne-Caina,
  2. J I O’Riordana,
  3. A Colesb,
  4. B Newellc,
  5. A J Thompsona,
  6. D H Millera
  1. aNMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, The National Hospital, Queen Square, London, UK, bAddenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK, cRoyal Free Hospital Medical School, London, UK
  1. Professor DH Miller, NMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. Telephone 0044 171 837 3611 ext 3991; fax 0044 171 278 5616.
  • Received 26 February 1997
  • Revised 11 July 1997
  • Accepted 23 July 1997

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To assess whether multiple sclerosis lesion volume measurements derived using the fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fFLAIR) sequence show better reproducibility or correlation with disability than those derived using the conventional spin echo (CSE) sequence.

METHODS Part I: twenty five patients with multiple sclerosis were scanned with CSE, fast spin echo (FSE), and fFLAIR. Lesion volume was determined twice for each sequence using a local threshold segmentation technique. Part II: fifty six patients with multiple sclerosis were scanned with CSE and fFLAIR. Total and regional brain lesion volumes were compared with the Kurtzke extended disability scale (EDSS) and functional systems scores (FSS).

RESULTS Part I: analysis times were significantly longer for CSE than for FSE or fFLAIR. There was no significant difference in the reproducibility of the three sequences. Part II: total lesion volumes were similar but posterior fossa lesion volumes were significantly greater for CSE and subcortical lesion volumes significantly greater for fFLAIR. There was a significant correlation between total volume and EDSS with both sequences (CSEr=0.49; fFLAIR r=0.44). Correlations for the two sequences showed minor differences when anatomical region and FSS were considered separately.

CONCLUSIONS CSE, FSE, and fFLAIR are equally reproducible; FSE yields lower volumes than CSE; fFLAIR gives similar volumes to CSE but underscores the posterior fossa. Overall clinical correlations are similar for CSE and fFLAIR.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.

    BMJ Careers - Latest neurology and neurosurgery jobs