Short TI Inversion Recovery Sequence Research Articles

MR Imaging

The properties of the inversion recovery (IR) sequence are considered and its use in clinical practice is illustrated. The effect of changing repetition time, inversion time (TI), and echo time; the method of data encoding; the type of data collection; and the method of image processing are analysed. Normal appearances and clinical examples in the central nervous system and the remainder of the body are used to illustrate the many options available with this sequence. The short TI IR sequence has advantages in magnetic resonance imaging of the body, and medium TI sequences are of value in localisation in the brain and in demonstrating contrast enhancement. Long TI sequences can be used in pediatrics and for separating tumour and oedema. Suppression or partial suppression of fat and fluid signals are two useful options with IR sequences.

The short TI inversion recovery sequence—An approach to MR imaging of the abdomen

Initial clinical experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen using short TI inversion-recovery (STIR) pulse sequences is described and compared with X-ray CT in a variety of abdominal disease. The extent of abnormality shown with MRI was greater than that with CT in 21 of 30 cases and equal in 9 cases. Lesion contrast was greater with MRI in 15 cases, equal in 14 and less in 1. The level of artefact was equal in 27 cases and greater with MRI in 3 cases. The STIR pulse sequence has significant advantages in producing high soft-tissue contrast, controlling respiratory artefact, avoiding confusion with intra-abdominal fat and identifying bowel loops.