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A preliminary diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging study of early-onset multiple
Domenico M Mezzapesa1, Maria A Rocca, Andrea Falini
1Neuroimaging Research Unit and the Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Early-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) typically has a more favorable course than adult-onset disease.
Objective:
To assess the extent of microscopic tissue damage in the brain and cervical cord of patients with early-onset MS.
Design:
During a single magnetic resonance imaging session, images of the brain and spinal cord were obtained using diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging.
Patients:
We studied 13 patients with early-onset MS and 10 healthy volunteers.
Results:
Compared with control subjects, patients with early-onset MS showed only a slight increase of the average mean diffusivity of the normal-appearing brain tissue.
Conclusion:
The relatively modest central nervous system damage detected in these patients might explain why early-onset MS typically has a more favorable clinical course than adult-onset MS.