Increased signal intensity with delayed post contrast 3D-FLAIR MRI sequence using constant flip angle and long repetition time for inner ear evaluation

•After intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast agent, gadolinium passagethrough the blood-labyrinth barrier is weak leading to low concentration of gadolinium in the perilymphatic space.•Elongation of the repetition time (TR) increases the signal intensity ratio (SIR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) while preserving diagnostic accuracy.•The sensitivity of 3D-FLAIR sequences to low concentration gadolinium in the perilymphatic space is increased (+34.4%) by elongation of the TR.