Positive Predictive Value of Contrast Enhanced- Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (CE -Flair) MRI in Diagnosing Meningitis

Abstract

Aim: PPV of contrast enhanced fluid - attenuated inversion recovery (CE -FLAIR) MRI for diagnosis of meningitis considering CSF as gold standard Study Design: It is a cross-sectional study Setting & duration: Radiology department,, BVH, Bahawalpur 01-01- 2019 to 30- 06- 2019 Methods: A total of 130 patients having signs & symptoms of meningitis for last 72 hours with age group 15-50 years were included. MRI was performed on a 1.5 tesla MR System. The MRI protocol included the T1W SE sequence, the T2W SE sequence, the T1W sequence wit h FS, the FLAIR sequence. The CE-FLAIR, T1W sequences wit h MT and FS were obtained after administration of intravenous gadobutrol in a dose of 0.1mmo l/kg body weight. After this, lumbar puncture was done and CSF was sent to the laboratory for analysis. CE -FLAIR MRI findings were correlated with CSF report. Results: All the patients were subjected first to CE-FLAIR MRI. CE-FLAIR MRI supported the diagnosis of meningitis in 80 (61.5%) patients. CSF confir med meningitis in 71 (true positive) cases where as 09 (False Positive) had no meningitis on CSF. PPV of CE -FLAIR MRI in diagnosis of meningitis was 88.8%. Conclusion: PPV of CE -FLAIR MRI in diagnosing meningitis is quit e high. Keywords: Meningitis, CE -FLAIR MRI