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Updated: May 26, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion tensor imaging applications in multiple sclerosis patients using 3T magnetic resonance: a preliminary study
Lorenzo Testaverde1, Laura Caporali, Eugenio Venditti
1Department of Radiological Sciences, University "Sapienza" of Rome, Rome, Italy. doctor.lot@gmail.com
Objectives:
This study evaluated patients with multiple sclerosis using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values.
Methods:
We investigated the possible statistically significant variation of MD and FA in different MS patients, compared simultaneously, putting in comparison their normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and white matter affected by disease (plaques), both during activity and in remission, with normal white matter (NWM) of control subjects.
Results:
Statistical analysis using Levene's test for comparison of variances revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences between FA values of the NWM of the controls and those of NAWM and active or inactive lesions, of the patients in the study. However, the differences between MD values of the NWM of the controls and those of NAWM and active or inactive lesions of the patients in the study were judged not significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Imaging of MS using MRI techniques is constantly searching for reproducible quantitative parameter. This study shows how these parameters can be identified in the MD and FA values, and thus suggests the implementation of MRI routine protocols for diagnosing MS with the DTI analysis, since it can provide valuable information otherwise unobtainable.
Key Points:
Magnetic resonance imaging is widely performed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be implemented using a 3T magnet DTI provides quantitative parameters as mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) MD and, especially, FA can help evaluate the lesion load in MS patients and also assess variation in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) in MS.
Insights
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals significant differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and controls. Mean diffusivity (MD) showed no significant variation, suggesting FA is a key DTI parameter for MS assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis relies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) offers quantitative metrics like fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD).
- There's a need for reproducible quantitative parameters in MS imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using DTI.
- To compare DTI parameters between normal white matter (NWM), normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), and diseased white matter (lesions) in MS patients and controls.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was performed on MS patients and healthy controls.
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were extracted from normal white matter (NWM), normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), and active/inactive lesions.
- Levene's test was used for statistical comparison of variances.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in FA values between control NWM and MS patient NAWM and lesions (active/inactive).
- No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in MD values between control NWM and MS patient NAWM and lesions (active/inactive).
Conclusions:
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) values derived from DTI show significant variations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- DTI analysis, particularly FA, can provide valuable quantitative information for diagnosing MS.
- Implementation of DTI analysis in routine MRI protocols is suggested for MS diagnosis and assessment.
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These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).