MR phase imaging in the evaluation of neurovascular disease

MR phase images are derived from conventional spin-echo (SE) pulse sequences and display properties of proton movement (e.g., blood flow). In conjunction with their source SE images, phase images can be used to differentiate between signal produced by flow effect and that of static structures. The authors studied a broad spectrum of neurovascular abnormalities in the head and spine. SE signal intensity alone was neither accurate nor reliable in distinguishing between thrombus or mass and flow-related signal enhancement. Phase images complement conventional SE images and increase diagnostic specificity