Comparing FLAIR and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI in meningeal diseases

As the frequency، increasing development and permanent neurologic complexes of meningeal diseases are significant، employing MRI is vital. Because of the frequency and sensitivity of FLAIR and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images for detecting leptomeningeal comparing these two in this regards seems to be vital. The purpose of this study is to compare these two sequences and to determine which sequence is superior for depicting meningeal diseases since applying appropriate sequence helps diagnosing the disease fast and accurately. This study is a descriptive-analytic one in which 49 patients were selected from among patients referred to Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah in 2010 during 8 months. To obtain data information form was employed. Two specialists in radiology investigated the obtained data by both sequences. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and X2. The degree of contrast enhancement was superior in FLAIR sequence with contrast in 21 patients، equal in 10 and inferior in 18. Number، conspicuity، and enhancement of meningeal infection، in the FLAIR sequence with contrast was superior to the T1W sequence with contrast and the T1W sequence with contrast was superior to FLAIR sequence with contrast in evaluation of number، conspicuity and enhancement of cranial tumors. Employing FLAIR sequence with contrast is helpful in early diagnosis of meningeal infections.