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Updated: May 25, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion abnormality maps in demyelinating disease: correlations with clinical scores
Mihaela Onu1, Adina Roceanu, Uta Sboto-Frankenstein
1Medical Imaging Department, Clinical Hospital Prof. Dr. Th. Burghele, and Biophysics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Eroilor Sanitari Blvd. 8, Bucharest 050474, Romania. onu.mihaela@gmail.com
Background And Purpose:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been explored as a noninvasive tool to assess pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the correlation between classical MRI measures and physical disability is modest in MS. The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) MRI technique holds particular promise in this regard. The present study shows brain regions where FA and individual diffusivities abnormalities are present and check their correlations with physical disability clinical scores.
Methods:
Eight patients and 12 matched healthy controls were recruited. The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite was administered. For MR-DTI acquisitions, a Genesis Signa 1.5 T MR system, an EP/SE scanning sequence, 25 gradient directions were used.
Results:
Tract Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) group comparisons showed reduced FA and increased individual diffusivities in several brain regions in patients. Significant correlations were found between FA and: EDSS, 9-HPT(NON)DOM and 25 FW score; between λ2 and: P100 (r&l), 9-HPT(NON)DOM and 25 FW; between λ3 and: 9-HPT(NON)DOM and 25 FW score.
Conclusions:
Fractional anisotropy and individual radial diffusivities proved to be important markers of motor disabilities in MS patients when the disease duration mean and the disability scores values range are relatively high.
Insights
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals brain abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivities correlate with physical disability, offering potential markers for motor impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive tool for assessing multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology.
- Classical MRI measures show a modest correlation with physical disability in MS patients.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) MRI offers a promising approach to better correlate imaging findings with disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify brain regions with fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusivity abnormalities in MS patients.
- To investigate the correlation between these DTI metrics and clinical scores of physical disability.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 8 MS patients and 12 healthy controls.
- Administered the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC).
- Acquired MR-DTI data using a 1.5 T MR system with an EP/SE sequence and 25 gradient directions.
Main Results:
- Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) revealed reduced FA and increased diffusivities in several brain regions in MS patients.
- Significant correlations were found between FA and EDSS, 9-HPT(NON)DOM, and 25 FW scores.
- Correlations were also observed between radial diffusivities (λ2, λ3) and 9-HPT(NON)DOM, 25 FW, and P100 scores.
Conclusions:
- Fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivities are important markers of motor disabilities in MS.
- These DTI metrics are particularly relevant in patients with longer disease duration and higher disability scores.
