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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
High field MRI correlates of myelin content and axonal density in multiple sclerosis--a post-mortem study of the
J P Mottershead1, K Schmierer, M Clemence
1Dept. of Neuroinflammation, MS NMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, UCL, WC1N 3BG, London, UK.
Abstract:
Different MRI techniques are used to investigate multiple sclerosis (MS) in vivo. The pathological specificity of these techniques is poorly understood, in particular their relationship to demyelination and axonal loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathological substrate of high field MRI in post-mortem (PM) spinal cord (SC) of patients with MS. MRI was performed in PMSCs of four MS patients and a healthy subject on a 7 Tesla machine. Quantitative MRI maps (PD; T2; T1; magnetization transfer ratio, MTR; diffusion weighted imaging) were obtained. After scanning, the myelin content and the axonal density of the specimens were evaluated neuropathologically using quantitative techniques. Myelin content and axonal density correlated strongly with MTR, T1, PD, and diffusion anisotropy, but only moderately with T2 and weakly with the apparent diffusion coefficient. Quantitative MR measures provide a promising tool to evaluate components of MS pathology that are clinically meaningful. Further studies are warranted to investigate the potential of new quantitative MR measures to enable a distinction between axonal loss and demyelination and between demyelinated and remyelinated lesions.
Insights
High-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in post-mortem multiple sclerosis (MS) spinal cords reveals strong correlations between myelin and axonal content and specific MRI measures. These findings offer insights into MS pathology and potential diagnostic advancements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Background:
- Investigating multiple sclerosis (MS) in vivo relies on various MRI techniques, but their pathological specificity, particularly concerning demyelination and axonal loss, remains unclear.
- Understanding the relationship between MRI signal and underlying tissue damage is crucial for accurate MS diagnosis and monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathological basis of high-field MRI in post-mortem spinal cords from MS patients.
- To correlate quantitative MRI measures with neuropathologically assessed myelin content and axonal density.
Main Methods:
- High-field (7 Tesla) MRI was performed on post-mortem spinal cords from four MS patients and one healthy control.
- Quantitative MRI maps including PD, T2, T1, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and diffusion-weighted imaging were acquired.
- Myelin content and axonal density were assessed using quantitative neuropathological techniques.
Main Results:
- Myelin content and axonal density showed strong correlations with MTR, T1, PD, and diffusion anisotropy.
- Moderate correlations were observed with T2 relaxation time.
- Weak correlations were found with the apparent diffusion coefficient.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative MRI measures in post-mortem MS spinal cords correlate well with myelin and axonal integrity.
- These findings suggest that quantitative MRI can provide clinically meaningful insights into MS pathology.
- Further research is needed to differentiate between axonal loss and demyelination using advanced MRI techniques.
