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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
08:51
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
A diffusion longitudinal MR imaging study in normal-appearing white matter in untreated relapsing-remitting multiple
F G Garaci1, V Colangelo, A Ludovici
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. francescogaraci@tiscali.it
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|March 14, 2007
Summary
Water diffusion changes in normal-appearing white matter are detectable in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. These microstructural alterations correlate with clinical disability and change over time, particularly in the relapsing phase.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by neurological deficits.
- Early detection of microstructural changes in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) is crucial for understanding disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate water diffusion alterations in the NAWM of RRMS patients.
- To assess the temporal changes of these diffusion alterations.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion 3T MR imaging was performed on 54 RRMS patients and 18 controls.
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were analyzed.
- 18 patients underwent follow-up MR imaging at 3 and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in mean ADC values were observed between relapsing, remitting, and control groups.
- ADC values correlated with clinical disability (EDSS scores).
- Temporal changes in ADC values were significant in patients experiencing relapses.
Conclusions:
- Brain microstructural changes in NAWM are detectable in RRMS.
- These changes correlate with clinical impairment and evolve over time.
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