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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

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MR imaging of relapsing multiple sclerosis patients using ultra-small-particle iron oxide and compared with

V Dousset1, B Brochet, M S A Deloire

  • 1University Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Laboratory of Neurobiology of Myelin Diseases, EA 2966 Bordeaux, France.

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|May 12, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ultra-small-particle iron oxide (USPIO) magnetic resonance imaging visualizes macrophage activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. This technique complements gadolinium imaging by revealing distinct cellular events in MS lesion formation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammatory multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions involve microglia activation and immune cell infiltration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
  • Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models show USPIO uptake in phagocytic cells, indicating macrophage infiltration.
  • USPIO is a novel contrast agent for MR imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize MS lesions using USPIO, a contrast agent that accumulates in phagocytic cells.
  • To assess macrophage activity in vivo within MS lesions.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective MR imaging study was conducted on 10 patients with MS in acute relapse.
  • Patients underwent imaging using both USPIO and gadolinium contrast agents.

Main Results:

  • USPIO uptake was observed in 33 acute MS lesions across 9 patients, appearing as high signal on T1 and low signal on T2-weighted images.
  • Gadolinium enhancement was present in 31 lesions in 7 patients, with 24 lesions showing gadolinium enhancement but not USPIO uptake.
  • Two patients exhibited USPIO-enhanced lesions without gadolinium enhancement.

Conclusions:

  • USPIO visualization of macrophage activity in vivo offers distinct insights into MS lesion formation.
  • USPIO provides complementary information to gadolinium's assessment of BBB permeability.
  • USPIO imaging characterizes a unique cellular inflammatory event in the dynamic process of MS lesion development.

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