Comparison of Fluid-Attenuated Inversion-Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Computed Tomography in Acute Intraventricular Hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to evaluate the usefulness of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery(FLAIR) magnetic resonance(MR) imaging for detection of acute intraventricular hemorrhage(IVH) compared with pre-contrast computed tomography(CT). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with acute IVH were evaluated with FLAIR MR imaging and precontrast CT. All MR and CT examination were performed within two days from symptom onset. One neurosurgeon and one radiologist evaluated the detectability and conspicuity of acute IVH on FLAIR MR imaging and pre-contrast CT. RESULTS: Acute IVH was detected in all patients on FLAIR MR imaging and in 23(82%) of 28 patients on pre-contrast CT. The conspicuity of IVH on FLAIR MR imaging was as good as or better than that on pre-contrast CT in 28 patient. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that FLAIR MR imaging is superior to pre-contrast CT in the diagnosis of acute IVH.