Demyelinating diseases, leukodystrophies, and other myelin disorders

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging recently has become the most sensitive clinical test in the detection of white matter disorders, yet neuropathologic evaluation remains the most specific. This article describes the gross and microscopic pathology of various diseases primarily or selectively affecting white matter. The discussion should provide deeper insight into the nature of white matter disease and assist in the interpretation of CT and MR images. The subject of white matter damage caused secondarily by such entities as neoplasia, trauma, infarction, or neuronal degeneration is not included.