T2-star-weighted sequence

Principle and interpretation

T2* weighting differs from conventional T2 weighting. It can help detect a hemorrhagic component, but signal loss can also arise from artifact.

Indications, limitations and precautions

Significance depends on the protocol and other images. A dark area alone does not prove hemorrhage; implanted hardware must be considered during interpretation.

Points to consider

An investigation is selected to answer a specific question about bone, neural tissue, metabolic activity or vessels, for example. Techniques provide different information. Preparation and precautions vary by protocol; follow the imaging service’s instructions.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Apparent diffusion coefficient — Parameter calculated from diffusion images describing apparent water mobility in tissue, often displayed as an ADC map.
• Fat suppression — MRI techniques that reduce fat signal to improve distinction of selected tissues or abnormalities.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging — MRI technique sensitive to microscopic water movement within tissues, used to investigate selected lesions in context.

Medical references

1. National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
2. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. Spine MRI.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.