FLAIR
Also written as: FLAIR — Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery
Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, an MRI sequence that suppresses cerebrospinal fluid signal to enhance lesion visibility.
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 lesions, cortical abnormalities, and subtle pathology that might be obscured by bright CSF signal on conventional T2-weighted images. FLAIR is essential in multiple sclerosis imaging, stroke assessment, and epilepsy evaluation.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; specify 2D or 3D when relevant to acquisition method
In Context
- "FLAIR sequences demonstrated multiple hyperintense periventricular lesions consistent with demyelinating disease." — Multiple sclerosis diagnostic report
- "The 3D FLAIR acquisition provided superior contrast-to-noise ratio for cortical lesion detection." — Imaging protocol description