FLAIR sequence
Pronunciation: flair
Also written as: FLAIR — Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery
A magnetic resonance imaging technique that suppresses fluid signal to enhance visualization of pathological tissue changes.
Full Definition
FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) is an MRI pulse sequence that nulls the signal from cerebrospinal fluid and other free water, making it particularly useful for detecting lesions adjacent to fluid-filled spaces. In cardiac imaging, FLAIR sequences can help identify myocardial edema and inflammation by suppressing the signal from blood and other fluids. This technique enhances the contrast between normal and abnormal myocardial tissue, making it valuable for diagnosing conditions like myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. The sequence is especially useful when T2-weighted imaging alone is insufficient for lesion detection.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as FLAIR when used as acronym; lowercase when spelled out as 'fluid attenuated inversion recovery'.
In Context
- "The FLAIR sequence demonstrated high signal intensity in the inferior wall, consistent with myocardial edema." — MRI report
- "Additional FLAIR images were acquired to better characterize the suspected inflammatory changes." — Technical imaging note