Background MR imaging plays a significant role in detection and characterization of different brain diseases. The role of the post-contrast T1-weighted image magnetic resonance imaging (T1W MRI) sequence has been widely established in previous studies and clinical practice. In this study, we aim to share our experience as regards the added value of contrast-enhanced fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (CE-FLAIR) sequence in the diagnosis of various intracranial pathological conditions and evaluate its usefulness in comparison with post-contrast T1W images. Results Based on the final radiological diagnosis, the total cases were subdivided into three categories, and the majority of our cases were tumors (81.2%), followed by multiple sclerosis (11.8%), and the least was central nervous system infection (7.1%). CE-FLAIR showed superior enhancement in 35 cases (50.7) and equal enhancement in 25 cases (36.3%). However, it showed less enhancement than post-contrast T1W images in 9 cases (13%). Excellent inter-observer agreement (97.65%) was noted. Regarding lesion conspicuity, good delineation was found in the majority of cases (64.7%), fair delineation in 12.9%, and no delineation in 22.4%. A statistically significant difference was found in signal intensity of lesion between pre- and post-contrast FLAIR sequences. Contrast to background ratio was statistically significant in CE FLAIR images in comparison to CE T1 images. Conclusion CE-FLAIR imaging should be used as a routine or adjunctive sequence to CE-T1WI to enhance early detection and increase the diagnostic confidence in MRI examination of different brain pathological conditions.

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Background: This study aims to evaluate the value of adding elastography (strain elastography) to US in the evaluation of tendon abnormalities with comparison to conventional MRI. Methodology: After institutional review board approval and informed consent taken from all the patients, supraspinatus and tendoachillis tendon sonoelastography performed on 46 patients with shoulder or ankle pain and limitation of movement. Statistical analysis of this research was assessed by Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Independent-Samples t-test. Results: This study included 46 patients with shoulder or ankle pain and limitation of movement, 23 male and 23 female patients. Their mean age (years) ± SD was 51.30 ± 12.4 years. We found that US had perfect agreement with MRI for detection of complete tear (k=1), strong agreement in diagnosis of partial tendon tear (k=0.810), while moderate agreement in detection of tendinopathy (k=0.645). Also we found that elastography increased US sensitivity and accuracy in diagnosis of partial tendon tear from (73.3% and 93.9% to 86.7% and 97% respectively) while it didn’t add any effect to US in diagnosis of complete tendon tear. Conclusion: Elastography plays an important role if added to US in evaluation of tendon abnormalities, especially if MRI is contraindicated for any reason.