The value of contrast-enhanced FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging in detecting meningeal abnormalities in suspected cases of meningitis compared to conventional contrast-enhanced T1WI sequences

Background Early diagnosis of meningitis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be useful for appropriate and effective management, decrease morbidity and mortality, and provide better diagnosis and treatment. The objective of the current study is to compare the accuracy of contrast-enhanced FLAIR (CE-FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1WI (CE-T1WI) in the detection of meningeal abnormalities in suspected cases of meningitis. Results Out of 45 patients, 37 patients were confirmed to have meningitis on CSF analysis. Out of the 37 patients, 34 patients were positive on CE-FLAIR sequence and 27 were positive on CE-T1WI. The sensitivity of CE-FLAIR sequence was 91.9% and specificity 100%, while the sensitivity of CE-T1WI sequence was 73% and specificity 100%. Conclusion CE-FLAIR is more sensitive than CE-T1WI in diagnosis of meningitis. It is recommended to be used in any cases with clinically suspected meningitis.