Comparison of FLASH T₂ dual-echo MRI sequence with 3D TOF MRA and SWI for evaluation of the cerebral circulation

Objective: To compare the FLASH T₂ dual-echo MRI sequence with 3D TOF MRA and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for evaluation of the cerebral circulation. Methods: Eleven healthy volunteers underwent FLASH T₂ dual-echo sequence, 3D-T0F-MRA and SWI. The visibility of the cerebral arteries and deep cerebral veins was compared. Results: Most of the cerebral arteries and deep cerebral veins were equally well seen on the dual-echo sequence in comparison with the 3D T0F MRA and SWI, respectively (P > 0.05). The 3D-T0F-MRA was significantly better than the dual-echo sequence for demonstrating the A5 segment of the anterior cerebral artery, M3-M5 segments of the middle cerebral artery and P4 segment of the posterior cerebral artery (P < 0.05). The SWI was significantly better than the dual-echo sequence for demonstrating the venae chorioidea (P < 0.05). Conclusions: FLASH T₂ dual-echo can depict most cerebral arteries and deep cerebral veins. Visualization of A5, M3-M5, P4 segments of the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries is better on 3D-T0F-MRA and the venae chorioidea on SWI. (authors)