Search

White-Matter-Nulled 3D MPRAGE

Unlock new contrast and reveal more across the central nervous system

White-Matter-Nulled 3D MPRAGE selectively suppresses white matter signal using an optimized short inversion time, creating a unique T1 contrast that makes lesions stand out as hyperintense structures against a dark background.

Originally developed for the brain, this contrast principle now extends to the spinal cord: opening new diagnostic possibilities across the entire central nervous system. Available at 1.5T and 3T MR systems.

Hear from the clinicians

Expert Testimonials: Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Neuroradiologists

Leading clinicians share how White Matter Nulled 3D MPRAGE has changed their practice:

  • Neuroradiologist: spinal cord lesion detection
  • Neurologist: longitudinal follow-up and treatment monitoring in multiple sclerosis
  • Neurosurgeon: better surgical planning and confidence for intramedullary lesions or syringomyelia
Learn more about MS usage
Learn more about other usage

Clinical Applications – Complete CNS Coverage

Brain

Brain

  • Deep Brain Stimulation planning
    Superior visualization of thalamic subnuclei for DBS target delineation.
  • Brain tumors
    Cortical infiltration assessment and tumor margin delineation.
  • Multiple sclerosis
    Detection of cortical, juxtacortical and thalamic lesions. Neurodegenerative disease
    Cortical and subcortical grey matter evaluation and related conditions.
Learn More
Spinal Cord

Spinal Cord

  • Intramedullary lesions
    Focal spinal cord signal abnormalities, improved conspicuity vs conventional T2 or STIR in difficult-to-image segments
  • Multiple sclerosis
    Cervical, cervicothoracic and thoracic lesion detection, same contrast principle as brain acquisition for consistent reader experience. Improved lesion burden assessment and longitudinal follow-up consistency, with up to 51% more lesions detected*
  • Motion and artifacts
    3D acquisition with optimized parameters reduces sensitivity to common artifacts encountered with standard T2/STIR sequences
  • Thoracic spine
    The thoracic cord remains one of the most challenging segments to image. WMn 3D MPRAGE provides improved lesion conspicuity vs STIR/T2 in this region, with 3D multiplanar capability.
Up to 51% more lesions detected, check reference

Optimized for Clinical Practice

Fast3D + AiCE – Maximum Quality, Minimum Time

Fast3D + AiCE – Maximum Quality, Minimum Time

Combining Fast3D acceleration and Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) deep learning reconstruction maximises image quality in WMn acquisitions. High SNR is maintained even at reduced scan times: making WMn 3D MPRAGE a practical, protocol-ready addition to any standard neurological MR exam.

  • AiCE deep learning denoising preserves anatomical details
  • Fast3D reduces acquisition time without SNR penalty combined with AiCE
  • 1 mm isotropic resolution achievable in under 5 minutes for the spinal cord
  • Compatible with 3T and 1.5T MR systems
Learn more about AiCE
Pr. Thomas Tourdias
“We believe this new 3D White-Matter-Nulled MPRAGE approach represents a real paradigm shift in spinal cord imaging compared to traditional Sagittal T2 and STIR, with strong potential impact on patient management.”
 

Prof. Thomas Tourdias
Neuroradiologist
Head of the Neuroimaging Department
Bordeaux University Hospital, France

Pr. Aurélie Ruet

“The advantage of using White-Matter-Nulled MPRAGE sequence is that multiple sclerosis lesions could appear more visible against the suppressed white matter background, facilitating the identification of subtle lesions that might otherwise remain undetected.”

 

Prof. Aurélie Ruet
Neurologist
Head of the Department of Neurology and Inflammatory Diseases of the CNS
Bordeaux University Hospital, France

Dr. Paul Roblot

“Such an MRI sequence will guide the diagnosis and the surgery planning for a biopsy or a resection. In the near future, better definition between the tumor and the gray matter organization might identify safer entry zones.”

 

Dr. Paul Roblot
Neurosurgeon
Bordeaux University Hospital, France

KEY BENEFITS

Why White-Matter-Nulled 3D MPRAGE changes the diagnostic picture?

Improved Lesion Conspicuity

Lesions appear hyperintense against a suppressed white matter background, maximizing contrast-to-noise ratio and detection sensitivity for subtle cortical, juxtacortical and deep grey matter lesions that might be subtle on standard sequences (T1 MPRAGE, T2, STIR).

Improved Lesion Conspicuity

High reader confidence

Better differentiation of true lesions from partial volume effects and artefacts, reducing inter-reader interpretation variability in complex neurological cases

High reader confidence

Consistency across patients and anatomies

Reliable contrast in both brain and spinal cord (cervical, cervicothoracic and thoracic segments) with the same contrast principle across field strengths and anatomies. Less sensitive to artifacts and high reproducibility.

Consistency across patients and anatomies

3D near-isotropic imaging

3D acquisition enables high-quality multiplanar reformats (axial, sagittal, coronal) from a single acquisition, without compromise on spatial resolution, and without the need of acquiring extra 2D standard sequences

3D near-isotropic imaging

References

  1. Munsch F, Ravache A, Yamamoto T, et al. Enhanced Spinal Cord Lesion Detection in MS Using White-Matter-Nulled 3D MPRAGE with Deep Learning Reconstruction. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2026;47(1):225-233. Published 2026 Jan 5. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A8950
  2. Roblot P, Vignes JR, Tourdias T. Images in neuroscience: central canal kinking in Chiari type I with syringomyelia. J Clin Neurosci. 2026;149:112008. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2026.112008
  3. Planche V, Su JH, Mournet S, et al. White-matter-nulled MPRAGE at 7T reveals thalamic lesions and atrophy of specific thalamic nuclei in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2020;26(8):987-992. doi:10.1177/1352458519828297
  4. Tourdias T, Saranathan M, Levesque IR, Su J, Rutt BK. Visualization of intra-thalamic nuclei with optimized white-matter-nulled MPRAGE at 7T. Neuroimage. 2014;84:534-545. doi:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.08.069
  5. Saranathan M, Tourdias T, Bayram E, Ghanouni P, Rutt BK. Optimization of white-matter-nulled magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MP-RAGE) imaging. Magn Reson Med. 2015;73(5):1786-1794. doi:10.1002/mrm.25298
  6. Fournet, A., Munsch, F., Koubiyr, I. et al. Interthalamic adhesion alterations in multiple sclerosis: associations with thalamic damage and cognition. J Neurol 273, 535 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-026-14069-5