Parameters | Description |
---|---|
Field strength | Scans should be of good quality, with adequate SNR and spatial resolution (in-section pixel resolution of ≤1 × 1 mm)) |
Scan prescription | Use of the sub-callosal plane to prescribe or reformat axial oblique sections |
Coverage | Whole-brain coverage |
Section thickness and gap | For 2D = ≤3 mm no gap For 3D = ≤1 mm (≤1.6 mm overcontiguous, reconstructed to ≤1 mm) |
Core sequences | 1. Anatomic 3D inversion recovery–prepared T1W gradient echo 2. Gadolinium single dose, 0.1 mmol/kg given for 30 s*a 3. 3D sagittal T2WI FLAIRb 4. 3D T2WIb 5. 2D axial DWI (≤5-mm sections, no gap)* 6. 3D spoiled gradient echo T1W (non-IR prep) post-gadolinium*b |
Optional sequences | 1. Axial proton attenuation 2. Pre- or post-gadolinium axial T1W spin-echo (for chronic black holes) 3. SWI for identification of central vein within T2 lesions |
Notes | 3D series would be typically reconstructed to 3-mm thickness for display and subsequent comparison for lesion counts a Minimum 5-min delay before obtaining post-gadolinium T1WI. The 3D sagittal FLAIR may be acquired immediately after contrast injection before the 3D FLASH series. b If unable to perform a 3D acquisition, then perform 2D axial and sagittal FLAIR, axial fast spin-echo T2WI, and axial post-gadolinium T1WI spin-echo at ≤3-mm section thickness with no gap. *Optional |