Ultra-High Contrast (UHC) MRI with bipolar filters: Obvious abnormalities in normal appearing brain, spinal cord and optic nerve

Motivation: Many standard MRI brain scans fail to depict abnormalities in patients despite obvious findings in their clinical presentation. This can lead to negative health and social consequences. Goal(s): Using ultra-high contrast (UHC) MRI we aimed to improve detection of subtle pathological changes that are invisible using standard MRI sequences. Approach: 3D and 2D narrow and wide middle domain (mD) UHC images were acquired and compared with positionally matched conventional images. Results: UHC MRI showed changes in disease that were inconspicuous on standard MRI images. Recovery of extensive white matter changes was seen and aligned with patient's clinical status. Impact: Standard MRI often fails to depict abnormalities despite changes in patient cognition, personality and/or physical state. Abnormalities can be seen in this situation with UHC MRI in otherwise normal-appearing brain, orbits and spinal cord, allowing improved diagnosis and management.