The role of techniques characterised by faster acquisition times in the evaluation of multiple sclerosis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods with shorter acquisition times are considered. Fast spin echo sequences allow faster scanning with images comparable with conventional spin echo. Fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery (fast FLAIR) may provide a more complete picture of multiple sclerosis evolution, but more validation studies are still needed. Faster imaging methods, such as turbogradient spin echo and echo planar imaging, have marked advantages for uncooperative patients for diagnostic purposes and reduced motion related artifacts but may involve sacrifices of signal to noise, contrast, spatial resolution, and image quality. All methods are useful for clinical diagnosis, with fast spin echo generally accepted as equivalent to conventional spin echo. For quantitative evaluation in multiple sclerosis, further work is needed to define the utility of the faster and ultrafast methods.