In magnetic resonance imaging, what is the purpose of a STIR sequence?

A STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) sequence is specifically designed to nullify the signal of fat tissues in MRI imaging. This is achieved through a particular timing technique that utilizes an inversion recovery pulse sequence to effectively suppress the fat signal. This suppression allows for improved visualization of other tissues, particularly in the presence of edema or lesions that may be obscured by the high signal intensity of fatty tissue.

The main application of a STIR sequence is in instances where fat is present, such as in the evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions or detecting lesions where distinguishing between fat and pathology is crucial. By nullifying the fat signal, radiologists can achieve clearer images of the area of interest and enhance the contrast of other tissues, aiding in more accurate diagnoses.

Other options, while they describe different MRI functionalities, do not pertain specifically to the design and purpose of the STIR sequence.