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Updated: Oct 16, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging of plaque development in multiple sclerosis: application of an extended
R Haselhorst1, L Kappos, D Bilecen
1Biocenter and MR Center of the University, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Since the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions is not yet fully understood, we investigated the potential of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging for a better characterization of lesion pathology. Twenty-five MS patients were examined on a 1.5 T scanner. A single dose of gadolinium (Gd)-DOTA contrast agent was injected, and echoplanar images were acquired every 0.5 seconds for 1 minute. From the signal intensity-versus-time curves, the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was evaluated for regions in plaques and in gray and white matter. The rCBV calculated for acute, Gd-enhancing plaques was corrected for the effects of blood-brain barrier leakage, using a new correction algorithm. Acute plaques had significantly higher blood volumes than normal-appearing white matter (P < = 0.01). Chronic plaques that appeared hypointense on T(1)-weighted images had lower rCBV than T(1)-isointense plaques (P < = 0.03). Our results indicate that the acute phase in MS is accompanied by vasodilation. In later stages of gliosis, the perfusion decreases with increasing axonal injury. Although the DSC technique is less sensitive than conventional MR imaging, the information provided is essentially different from that obtained with any other MR method.
Insights
Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging reveals distinct blood volume changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Acute MS lesions show increased blood volume, while chronic lesions exhibit decreased perfusion, correlating with axonal injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions remains incompletely understood.
- Characterizing MS lesion pathology is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging for characterizing MS lesion pathology.
- To evaluate relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in different MS lesion types.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five MS patients underwent DSC MR perfusion imaging on a 1.5 T scanner.
- Gadolinium contrast agent was administered, and echoplanar images were acquired.
- Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) was calculated for plaques and normal-appearing gray and white matter, with a novel algorithm correcting for blood-brain barrier leakage in acute lesions.
Main Results:
- Acute, gadolinium-enhancing MS plaques demonstrated significantly higher blood volumes compared to normal-appearing white matter (P <= 0.01).
- Chronic plaques appearing hypointense on T1-weighted images had lower rCBV than T1-isointense plaques (P <= 0.03).
- The acute phase of MS is associated with vasodilation, with perfusion decreasing in later stages.
Conclusions:
- DSC MR perfusion imaging provides unique insights into MS lesion pathophysiology, differentiating acute and chronic stages.
- Increased blood volume in acute lesions suggests vasodilation, while decreased perfusion in chronic lesions correlates with axonal injury.
- DSC technique offers complementary information to conventional MR imaging for MS lesion characterization.
