[Usefulness of selective partial inversion recover (SPIR) sequences in optic nerve diseases].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the yield of SPIR sequences with fat suppression in the diagnosis of optic nerve lesions.


METHODS
Ten patients with suspected optic nerve involvement on the basis of clinical data and abnormalities of visual evoked potentials were examined. MRI was performed with a 1.5 T unit (Philips NT 15) using T1 weighted conventional spin-echo and T1- and T2 weighted SPIR sequences with fat suppression. Axial images were obtained along the optic nerve course, while coronal images throughout the optic nerve axis; slices were 3 mm thick. Axial T2 weighted SPIR sequences were also performed with the volumetric technique (1.5 mm thickness); coronal and parasagittal reconstructions along the nerve axis were obtained too. After paramagnetic contrast medium injection, conventional T1 weighted and SPIR sequences were performed on axial and coronal planes.


RESULTS
Optic nerve lesions consistent with the diagnosis of neuritis were demonstrated with T2 weighted images in 4 of 10 patients. No abnormalities and/or nerve enlargement were found on T1 weighted images. An enhancement area was seen after contrast medium injection in only one case. MRI showed a pilocytic astrocytoma in one patient and selective atrophy of the right optic nerve in another. MRI showed normal findings in 4 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
T1 and T2 weighted fat-suppressed SPIR imaging of the optic nerve improves anatomical definition, lesion detection and characterization in optic nerve conditions.
Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Università La Sapienza, Roma. pierallini@AXRMA.UNIROMA1.IT
A
A
Pierallini
M C
MC
Piattella
N S
NS
Polli
M
M
Bonamini
U
U
Angeloni
V
V
David
L
L
Bozzao
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000473:pathology*
Utilità delle sequenze "Selective Partial Inversion Recover" (SPIR) nelle malattie del nervo ottico.