Usefulness of turbo-fluid-attenuated inversion-reovery (tFLAIR) sequence in diagnosing meningioma.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively the usefulness of turbo-FLAIR (tFLAIR) in diagnosing meningioma in comparison with the T2-weighted turbo spin echo (T2W-TSE) sequence.


METHODS
Forty-eight patients diagnosed with meningioma were studied. In the qualitative study, we evaluated tumor delineation, contrast (Co) of tumor-to-CSF (cerebrospinal fluid), Co of tumor-to-brain parenchyma, Co of peripheral edema-to-brain parenchyma, and detectability of tumor margin. In quantitative study-1, using signal intensity (SI), we measured SI and calculated Co-SI of tumor-to-gray matter, Co-SI of tumor-to-white matter, Co-SI of peripheral edema-to-white matter, and Co-SI of tumor-to-CSF. In quantitative study-2, using film density, we measured density (De) on hard-copy film images and calculated Co-De for the same items as in quantitative study-1.


RESULTS
In the qualitative study, tFLAIR was superior to T2W-TSE in tumor delineation, Co of tumor-to-CSF, Co of tumor-to-brain parenchyma, and Co of peripheral edema-to-brain parenchyma. In quantitative study-1, tFLAIR was superior to T2W-TSE in Co-SI of tumor-to-CSF, however, T2W-TSE was superior to tFLAIR in Co-SI of tumor-to-white matter. In quantitative study-2, tFLAIR was superior to T2W-TSE in all Co-De.


CONCLUSIONS
tFLAIR was superior to T2W-TSE in the depiction of meningioma.
Shimizu
Teruhiko
T
Department of Radiology, Ehime University School of Medicine Onsen-gun, Japan.
Miki
Hitoshi
H
Takeguchi
Takashi
T
Kikuchi
Keiichi
K
Mochizuki
Teruhito
T
Ikezoe
Junpei
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged