Diagnostic Accuracy of Isotropic FLAIR-T2* Fusion Imaging for Central Vein Sign Detection in Multiple Sclerosis: a Comparative Study at 1.5 T and 3 T.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The central vein sign (CVS) is a promising imaging biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. While isotropic T2* at 3 T and 7 T has demonstrated high diagnostic performance, its utility at 1.5 T remains unclear. This study evaluates the performance of unenhanced FLAIR-T2* fusion at 1.5 T compared to 3 T in MS participants.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 20 MS patients and 20 control subjects. Each participant underwent unenhanced isotropic Epi-T2* and isotropic FLAIR (0.8 mm voxel size) at both 1.5 T and 3 T. Subsequently, the derived isotropic T2* and FLAIR were combined to create the final FLAIR-T2* fusion in both magnetic field strengths. Two independent raters assessed the CVS status of white matter (WM) lesions using NAIMS criteria.

SUBMITTER: Senturk YE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12552248 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature