Abstract

Introduction: Head injuries are fast becoming a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) is a new T2 weighted Gradient Echo technique is more sensitive than CT scan and conventional T1W and T2W weighted images of MRI. Aims and objectives: To compare the role of conventional MR imaging with SWI in detection and characterisation of diffuse axonal injuries (DAI) in closed head trauma. Material and methods: 20 patients of acute closed head injury with suspected DAI referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis were taken up for MR imaging. Conventional MRI techniques was compared with SWI using students paired T test. Results: Majority of the patients were young males in the age group of 21 to 40 years. SWI was the most sensitive MR sequence for detection of shear lesions followed by DWI, FLAIR, T2W and T1W. Paired test applied showed p value < 0.05, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: SWI sequence was the most sensitive MR sequence for detection of shear lesions. SWI is an emerging MR imaging tool which is assuming an increasing important role in imaging patients with DAI.

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