The Technical and Clinical Features of 3D-FLAIR in Neuroimaging

Magn Reson Med Sci. 2015;14(2):93-106. doi: 10.2463/mrms.2014-0132. Epub 2015 Mar 31.

Abstract

In clinical MR neuroimaging, 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) with a variable-flip-angle turbo spin echo sequence is becoming popular. There are more than 100 reports regarding 3D-FLAIR in the PubMed database. In this article, the technical and clinical features of 3D-FLAIR for neuroimaging are reviewed and summarized. 3D-FLAIR allows thinner slices with multi-planar reformation capability, a higher flow sensitivity, high sensitivity to subtle T1 changes in fluid, images without cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflow artifacts, and a 3D dataset compatible with computer-aided analysis. In addition, 3D-FLAIR can be obtained within a clinically reasonable scan time. It is important for radiologists to be familiar with the features of 3D-FLAIR and to provide useful information for patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neuroimaging / methods*