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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Longitudinal changes in diffusion tensor-based quantitative MRI in multiple sclerosis
D M Harrison1, B S Caffo, N Shiee
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. dharri90@jhmi.edu
Neurology
|January 12, 2011
Summary
Quantitative MRI reliably tracks changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) over time. This study shows these MRI measures are feasible for small clinical trials in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by demyelination and axonal damage.
- Quantitative MRI offers potential for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess longitudinal changes in whole-brain and tract-specific MRI measures in individuals with MS.
- To determine the feasibility of using these quantitative MRI techniques in clinical trials for MS.
Main Methods:
- 78 MS patients underwent 3 MRI scans over 2 years.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and T2 relaxation time were analyzed in specific brain regions and tracts.
- Linear mixed-effect models were used to estimate annualized rates of change and determine sample sizes for clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Significant longitudinal changes were observed in DTI indices (fractional anisotropy, diffusivity) and MTR across various brain regions, particularly the corpus callosum.
- MTR showed accelerated decline in progressive MS compared to relapsing-remitting MS.
- Power analysis indicated feasible sample sizes (around 40 participants per arm) for 1-2 year clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal quantification of whole-brain and tract-specific DTI indices and MTR is reliable in MS.
- These quantitative MRI outcomes are feasible for use in small-scale clinical trials for multiple sclerosis.
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