Secuencia FLAIR T2 y su Aplicación en Neuroimagen

FLAIR T2 Sequence and its Application in Neuroimaging

The FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) T2 sequence is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used to enhance contrast between different tissue types by suppressing signals from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This technique is particularly useful in neuroimaging as it provides high contrast images of various parts of the brain and spinal cord, including normal structures like fishhooks, falx cerebri, tentorium cerebellum.

Signal Suppression

The FLAIR T2 sequence achieves signal suppression by using an inversion pulse followed by a delay before acquiring the image data. This causes the protons in the CSF to invert their magnetization, which reduces the coherence between them and the other tissues, effectively suppressing their signal. As a result, the contrast between different tissues is enhanced, making it easier to visualize and analyze the underlying structure.

Applications in Clinical Imaging

The FLAIR T2 sequence has become an essential tool in clinical imaging due to its ability to highlight pathological changes within the CNS. It can reveal lesions such as tumors, demyelinating plaques, abscesses, encephalomalacia, and hemorrhages with great accuracy. For instance, in cases of multiple sclerosis, the FLAIR sequence allows radiologists to visualize white matter lesions, which helps in confirming the diagnosis. Additionally, it can be used to monitor the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where tracking structural changes over time is crucial.

In conclusion, the FLAIR T2 sequence is a valuable tool in neuroimaging, providing high contrast images of the central nervous system while suppressing CSF signals. Its effectiveness in highlighting structural changes and detecting pathologies makes it an indispensable part of modern medical diagnostics.