FLAIR sequence
MRI technique that suppresses cerebrospinal fluid signal to enhance visualization of periventricular lesions.
Full Definition
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) is a specialized MRI pulse sequence that nulls the signal from cerebrospinal fluid while maintaining contrast between gray and white matter. This technique is particularly valuable for detecting periventricular white matter lesions, cortical abnormalities, and subarachnoid hemorrhage that might be obscured by bright CSF signal on standard T2-weighted images. FLAIR sequences are essential in multiple sclerosis evaluation, stroke assessment, and epilepsy workup. Clinical reports should specify whether findings are better visualized on FLAIR versus other sequences.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize FLAIR; specify when findings are uniquely visible on this sequence versus others.
In Context
- "FLAIR sequence revealed multiple periventricular white matter hyperintensities." — MRI radiology report
- "Cortical signal abnormalities were best appreciated on FLAIR imaging." — Epilepsy pre-surgical evaluation