Meeting Banner
Abstract #3116

Synergies of High-Resolution Multi-Channel Lesion Segmentation in Multiple Sclerosis: MPRAGE, 3D FLAIR, 3D T2WI and 3D DIR

Moscufo N, Pouwels P, Warfield S, Moraal B, Geurts J, Duan Y, Barkhof F, Guttmann C, Meier D
Center for Neurological Imaging, Brigham & Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School

A sensitivity analysis of multi-contrast high-resolution MRI for the detection of brain pathology in MS is presented. All combinations of four different channels (MPRAGE, FLAIR, T2W and DIR) were evaluated for accuracy, sensitivity and specificity with regard to white and gray matter lesions in MS. Best sensitivity and specificity was achieved by the combined use of all four contrasts. The DIR sequence is attractive as it enhances WM anomalies relative to normal appearing white matter. In combination with the other high-resolution protocols (particularly FLAIR), a boost in the sensitivity of automated GM lesion detection was observed.