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Published on: February 28, 2021
The role of non-conventional MR techniques to study multiple sclerosis patients
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lacks pathological specificity to the heterogeneous substrates of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and is not able to detect subtle, disease-related changes in the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). As a consequence, the correlation between MRI findings and the long-term evolution of MS is moderate at best. To overcome the limitations of conventional MRI, new quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, such as cell-specific imaging, magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and functional MR imaging (fMRI) have all been recently applied to the study of MS. These techniques should provide more accurate and pathologically specific estimates of the MS lesion burden than conventional MR and should improve our understanding of the mechanisms leading to MS-related irreversible disability.
Insights
Advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques offer greater pathological specificity for multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and normal-appearing white matter changes compared to conventional MRI. These methods promise improved correlation with disease progression and understanding of disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits limited pathological specificity for lesions and fails to detect subtle changes in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).
- This limitation results in a moderate correlation between conventional MRI findings and the long-term clinical evolution of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations of conventional MRI in characterizing MS.
- To explore novel quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for more accurate assessment of MS pathology and disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Application of advanced quantitative MR techniques including cell-specific imaging, magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and functional MR imaging (fMRI).
- Utilizing these techniques to study MS lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).
Main Results:
- Quantitative MR techniques are expected to provide more accurate and pathologically specific estimations of MS lesion burden compared to conventional MRI.
- These advanced methods aim to improve the understanding of mechanisms underlying MS-related irreversible disability.
Conclusions:
- New quantitative MR techniques hold significant potential to overcome the limitations of conventional MRI in MS research.
- These advanced imaging modalities are anticipated to enhance the assessment of MS pathology and its impact on long-term patient outcomes.
