Flash information
- Sequences
- T2 and FLAIR
- Location
- Periventricular, cortical, infratentorial
- Morphology
- Shape and relationship to ventricles
- Diagnosis
- Clinical correlation essential
Definition
T2/FLAIR hyperintensity is a non-specific tissue change; some configurations suggest demyelination.
Examination or reading method
Identify sequence and planes, then review the whole examination and compare previous acquisitions.
Morphological description
Describe size, ovoid shape, ventricular or cortical contact and infratentorial lesions; distinguish contact from proximity.
Causes and diagnostic direction
Typical locations and morphology support possible multiple sclerosis in an appropriate clinical context.
Differential diagnoses
Migraine, vascular disease and other inflammatory or infectious disorders may produce white-matter abnormalities.
Associated findings
Brain and spinal examinations, evolution and possible enhancement aid characterisation; standardised protocols facilitate comparison.
Red flags
A new lesion does not automatically imply a clinical deficit; integrate symptoms and location.
Pitfalls and limitations
A single image establishes neither dissemination nor diagnosis; apply the current diagnostic framework.
Take-home message
Describe lesions and location before applying diagnostic criteria with clinical findings.
Sources
- Assessment of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis: practical guidelines - PMC ↗
- Revised Recommendations of the Consortium of MS Centers Task Force for a Standardized MRI Protocol and Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Multiple Sclerosis - PMC ↗
Documentary review: 2026-10-12
Media source & rights
- Author
- James Heilman, MD
- Original source
- James Heilman, MD, MSMRI.png, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons; conversion WebP et réduction proportionnelle.
- Licence
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Changes
- Conversion WebP, redimensionnement proportionnel sans recadrage ni annotations ajoutées; EXIF retiré. Dérivé écran proportionnel ≤1280 px, WebP qualité76 ; vignette ≤320 px qualité72. Source acquise et dérivé initial conservés sans modification ; aucune retouche médicale, aucun recadrage.
- Dimensions
- 960 × 1196 px
- Check
- 2026-10-11T20:53:29.376525+00:00