title: Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensities are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR sequence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVH), initially described on 2D FLAIR images, are a useful imaging marker in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of the 3D CUBE FLAIR sequence with 2D FLAIR for the detection of FVH.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-seven consecutive patients admitted for a suspected stroke were explored by 2D and 3D CUBE FLAIR MR sequences at 1.5 and 3 T. Three blinded readers assessed FVH defined as hyperintensities within cerebral arteries. Location of FVH, acute brain infarct and arterial stenosis were also assessed. 2D images were compared with 3D images for the detection of FVH. Agreement between readers was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 47 patients, 21 FVHs were observed on 2D FLAIR images of 15 patients (11 with acute brain infarct and 11 with an arterial stenosis). No FVH was visualised on 3D CUBE FLAIR images for either proximal or distal locations. Agreement between readers was excellent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FVHs are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR images. This study suggests that, in suspected acute ischaemic stroke, the assessment of FVH should only be performed on conventional 2D FLAIR images.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  • Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVH) are of neuroradiological importance. • FVHs are useful imaging markers in patients with an acute ischaemic stroke. • FVHs are not visible using 3D CUBE FLAIR images. • Assessment of FVH should be performed on conventional 2D FLAIR images.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Hôpital Saint Joseph, Paris, France. jeromehodel@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jérôme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hodel
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Leclerc
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodallec
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blanc
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Outteryck
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Benadjaoud
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rabrait
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zuber
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pruvo
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D020520:Brain Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors