FLAIR
Also written as: FLAIR — fluid-attenuated inversion recovery
MRI sequence that suppresses cerebrospinal fluid signal to better visualize periventricular lesions in neuroimmunological diseases.
Full Definition
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) is a magnetic resonance imaging sequence that suppresses the signal from cerebrospinal fluid while maintaining contrast between gray and white matter. In neuroimmunology, FLAIR sequences are particularly valuable for detecting lesions in periventricular and cortical regions that might be obscured by bright CSF signal on conventional T2-weighted images. FLAIR is especially useful in multiple sclerosis for identifying cortical lesions and periventricular demyelinating plaques, and in autoimmune encephalitis for detecting subtle cortical and subcortical abnormalities. The sequence enhances the conspicuity of inflammatory lesions and is a standard component of neuroimaging protocols in suspected neuroimmunological disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalized when abbreviated; sequence name is usually lowercase when spelled out.
In Context
- "FLAIR images revealed multiple hyperintense periventricular lesions consistent with demyelinating disease." — MRI report
- "The cortical FLAIR hyperintensities suggested possible autoimmune encephalitis." — Neuroradiology interpretation