MRI's T1 & T2 vs T3

[Ufrustrated2]

if one had brain/cervical MRI's with T3 one year and then at a later year have them with T1 & T2. comparing the two sets at different "T's" is ok?

[Ufrustrated2]

i think i read a DR Q note that did mention something about fair mri comparisons. that there is a difference.

[Ufrustrated2]

these are follow ups. just thought it odd that if to compare last few years of mri's done with 3T & ms protocol at another faciility, then go to this one, would those be a fair comparison?

if they are fine, just as well to go the less expensive route.

if they are not a fair comparison, then why not?

[Lulu54]

Immesceo nailed that explanation - saving the rest of us time to explain. :-)

The report you are quoting is listing the types of imaging technigues used - if you have your image disc you can pull those up and see they are grouped by these different types.

I believe the T3 you write about is really the reverse and is 3T , whichdesignates the strength of the machine and not the imaging technique.

The imaging should be done to MS protocol, but the reports don't often list that.  AND if the neuro doesn't order it that way, then the MS protocol most probably won't be used.  It doesn't have to be an issue - I was diagnosed from images on a 1.5T MRI machine, using standard imaging.

I hope that is helpful.  
hugs, L

[Ufrustrated2]

Technigue: T1 sagittal, T2 axial, FLAIR axia and post gadolinium axial T1 images were obtained. Diffusion imaging was also obtained

no, havent' had the chance to discuss with neuro yet.

what if prior images where T3 and they stated "ms protocol"?

just curious why they now us T1 versus T3 and they don't state "ms protocol"

or is that even an issue?

[immisceo]

T can mean two totally unrelated things in imaging, with the tip-off usually being if the number comes before or after the letter T (and also the context is often a giveaway).

It can mean the 'strength' of the machine (which will correlate to the crispness of the images) when the T comes second. 1.5T is still typical in many places (and many of us were diagnosed with these machines) though 3 Tesla machines are becoming standard.

But... you mention T2. This leads me to believe what you're referencing is an MRI imaging sequence (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging#T2-weighted_MRI) as I don't believe there was ever a 2 Tesla machine (which even if there were would be written as 2T, not T2) and T2 imaging sequence is usually standard for brain MRIs when something like demyelination is being looked for.

This leads to confusing things like 'the T2 results from a 3T machine!' So it's no wonder you're a little perplexed. If I were to hazard a guess (emphasis on 'guess'), I'd say you had an MRI on a 3 Tesla machine at which time T1 and T2 imaging sequences were performed.

For the sake of argument (and to get to one of your questions), a neurologist should be able to get good information from comparing the two MRIs if similar imaging sequences were used. Yes, the software in use can make a difference (a place with just a 1.5T machine can still have very good imaging with a combination of good software and good radiologists) but I wouldn't get too caught up with that now.

Have you had the chance to discuss these two MRIs with your neurologist yet? They'll be able to clear up this kind of stuff for you, probably in a clearer fashion than me!

[Ufrustrated2]

yes i think that is what i meant.

how does a patient know of the "imaging program" is good or diff from place to place?

i've not seen an mri report state what program was used but they do list that magnet strength.

[HVAC]

For T do you mean Tesla, the power of the magnet? What matters more than the power of the magnet is the computer program for the machine. I have had all my MRIs on Tesla 1 with really good imaging programing. I guess there would be some differences between a T1 and T3.


Alex