What does FLAIR stand for in MRI imaging?

FLAIR stands for Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery, which is a specific MRI sequence that is particularly useful in highlighting certain types of lesions in the brain, especially those associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). This imaging technique suppresses the signals from free fluid, such as cerebrospinal fluid, which allows for better visualization of lesions in areas where fluid would otherwise dominate the image.

In multiple sclerosis, where you often need to detect lesions in the brain's white matter, FLAIR is invaluable since it enhances the visibility of these lesions, thus aiding in diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The unique properties of FLAIR imaging make it ideal for identifying changes in tissue that might not be as easily seen in standard MRI sequences, providing crucial information for clinical assessments.

The other options presented do not describe recognized MRI techniques. Therefore, understanding the functionality and naming of FLAIR is essential both for radiology and for clinicians managing conditions such as multiple sclerosis.