Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:41
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Deep grey matter T2 hypo-intensity in patients with paediatric multiple sclerosis
Antonia Ceccarelli1, Maria A Rocca, Elisabetta Perego
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Quantifying deep grey matter T2 hypo-intensities in pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) may indicate neurodegeneration. These iron-related changes in deep grey matter are likely secondary to white matter damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- T2 hypo-intensity on MRI may indicate pathological iron deposition.
- Deep grey matter (DGM) involvement is increasingly recognized in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of quantifying DGM T2 hypo-intensities in pediatric patients with MS or CIS.
- To assess changes in DGM T2 hypo-intensities over one year.
Main Methods:
- A dual-echo MRI sequence was used in 45 pediatric patients (MS/CIS) and 14 healthy controls (HC).
- Normalized T2 intensity in the basal ganglia and thalamus was quantified.
- Eleven patients underwent a one-year follow-up assessment.
Main Results:
- DGM T2 intensity was similar between pediatric patients and HC, except for the left caudate nucleus head.
- Adolescent-onset pediatric patients showed reduced T2 intensity in the left caudate nucleus head compared to HC.
- Left caudate nucleus head T2 intensity correlated with T2 lesion volume and remained stable over one year.
Conclusions:
- Quantification of DGM T2 intensity may serve as a surrogate marker for neurodegeneration in pediatric patients.
- Iron-related changes in DGM in pediatric MS are likely secondary to white matter damage.
