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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
[Brain damage assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis by means of MRI]
Marina Titlić1, Kresimir Orsolić, Ante Tonkić
1University Department of Neurology, Split University Hospital Center, Split, Croatia. marina.titlic@gmail.com
Abstract:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in 32 patients recently clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) by McDonald's criteria are presented. Demyelinization plaques were examined according to their number, size and location in brain tissue. Classification was done by Frederiksen's quantification. The study included 18 (56.3%) female and 1-4 (43.7%) male patients aged 17-44, mean 32 +/- 2.4 years. The predominant plaque location was periventricular (100%), involving lateral brain chambers, followed by subcortical, pontine, corpus callosum, cerebellar and other locations (medulla oblongata, spinal marrow). According to plaque number, patients were divided into six groups, from 2-6 plaques (group 1), to 26 lesions (divided into four subgroups). Patients with at least one plaque 15 mm in diameter were allocated to a separate group. The largest was the group with 7-15 plaques (37%). According to plaque size, patients were divided into three groups: plaque of up to 6 mm in diameter, 6-15 mm in diameter, and at least one plaque 15 mm in diameter. Patients with plaque size 6-15 mm were found to predominate (64%). There was a surprisingly high incidence of severe brain damage, i. e. higher degrees by Frederiksen's quantification. The third and fourth quantification degrees were most common, with a significant number of plaques not exceeding 15 mm in diameter; however, there also were been patients with plaques of 15 mm in diameter, which is quite surprising at this early stage of the disease. This pilot study indicated that research should be extended to patients newly clinically diagnosed with MS, comparing their clinical symptoms and Frederiksen's quantification.
Insights
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients reveals frequent periventricular demyelination plaques. A significant number of patients exhibited severe brain damage early in the disease, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Context:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis relies on clinical criteria and neuroimaging.
- Brain MRI is crucial for detecting and characterizing demyelinating lesions in MS.
- Early detection and quantification of lesions are vital for understanding disease progression.
Purpose:
- To analyze brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in recently diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To classify demyelination plaques by number, size, and location using Frederiksen's quantification.
- To assess the severity of brain damage in early-stage MS based on plaque characteristics.
Summary:
- This study examined MRI scans of 32 patients recently diagnosed with MS.
- Predominant plaque locations included periventricular and subcortical regions.
- Most patients (64%) had plaques measuring 6-15 mm, with a surprising incidence of severe brain damage (Frederiksen's quantification degrees 3 and 4) even with smaller plaques.
Impact:
- The findings highlight a high incidence of severe brain damage in early MS, challenging previous assumptions.
- Suggests a need for further research comparing clinical symptoms with Frederiksen's quantification in newly diagnosed MS patients.
- This pilot study underscores the importance of detailed MRI analysis for early MS assessment and prognosis.
