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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

STIR

Also written as: STIR — Short TI Inversion Recovery

Short TI Inversion Recovery - an MRI sequence that suppresses fat signal to enhance visualization of pathology.

Full Definition

Short TI Inversion Recovery (STIR) is an MRI pulse sequence that uses fat suppression techniques to improve contrast between normal and abnormal tissues. The sequence applies an inversion pulse followed by a specific inversion time that nulls fat signal, making fluid-containing lesions appear bright against a dark background. STIR is particularly valuable in neuroradiology for detecting edema, inflammation, and small lesions that might be obscured by bright fat signal on conventional T2-weighted images.

Usage

Usage note: Often confused with FLAIR; STIR suppresses fat while FLAIR suppresses cerebrospinal fluid.

In Context

  • "The STIR sequence revealed hyperintense signal in the corpus callosum consistent with diffuse axonal injury." — Radiology report
  • "Consider adding STIR imaging to better characterize the suspected white matter lesions." — Protocol recommendation

Also known as

fat-suppressed imaging inversion recovery sequence

Don't confuse with

FLAIR T2-TIRM
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