Imaging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS).
• However, conventional MRI shows a weak correlation between lesion burden and clinical symptoms in MS.
• This discrepancy stems from conventional MRI's limitations in characterizing MS pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review how advanced MRI techniques enhance the understanding of MS.
• To highlight the potential of quantitative MRI methods in assessing MS.
• To advocate for the broader use of these techniques in MS research and clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Review of quantitative MRI techniques including magnetization transfer MRI, diffusion tensor MRI, proton MR spectroscopy, and functional MRI.
• Discussion of the role of high-field MR systems in advancing these techniques.
• Synthesis of current literature on MRI's contribution to understanding MS pathology and disability.

Main Results:

• Quantitative MRI techniques can better characterize and quantify heterogeneous MS pathology compared to conventional MRI.
• These advanced methods provide insights into injury, repair, and functional adaptation mechanisms in MS.
• High-field MR systems are expected to further enhance the capabilities of these quantitative techniques.

Conclusions:

• Advanced MRI techniques are crucial for overcoming the limitations of conventional MRI in MS assessment.
• These methods offer a more comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to irreversible disability in MS.
• Wider adoption of quantitative MRI is recommended for MS studies and clinical trials to track disease evolution.