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Updated: May 22, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
MRI mean diffusivity detects widespread brain degeneration in multiple sclerosis
Joe Senda1, Hirohisa Watanabe, Takashi Tsuboi
1Department of Neurology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
We investigated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of 32 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and voxel-based analysis of white matter fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image (FLAIR) high-intensity lesions and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Compared with 18 healthy controls, MS patients showed gray matter volume reduction in the thalamus, hypothalamus, caudate, limbic lobe, and frontal lobe. A marked volume reduction of white matter was evident along the ventriculus lateralis and corpus callosum. FLAIR high-intensity lesions were observed beside the ventriculus lateralis. DTI revealed reduced fractional anisotropy areas similar to those of the FLAIR high-intensity lesions. Changes in the volume of increased mean diffusivity (MD) were the most widespread and extended to normal-appearing white matter (p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that MD values were significantly correlated with both disease duration (r=0.381, p=0.032) and expanded disability status scale scores (EDSS) (r=0.393, p=0.026). This study demonstrated that combined voxel-based analysis for volumetry, FLAIR high-intensity lesions, and DTI could reveal widespread brain abnormalities in MS patients. Furthermore, DTI, especially MD, showed far more widespread brain degeneration than other MRI parameters, and was significantly correlated with both severity and disease duration.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals widespread brain abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), particularly mean diffusivity (MD), showed more extensive degeneration than other MRI metrics, correlating with disease severity and duration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Accurate assessment of brain changes in MS is crucial for understanding disease progression and disability.
- Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques offer detailed insights into brain pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate brain abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using a combination of MRI techniques.
- To compare the sensitivity of different MRI metrics in detecting widespread brain degeneration.
- To correlate imaging findings with clinical measures of disease severity and duration.
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) for gray matter volume analysis.
- Voxel-based analysis of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) high-intensity lesions.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess white matter integrity, including fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity (MD).
- Comparison between 32 MS patients and 18 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited gray matter volume reduction in key brain regions (thalamus, hypothalamus, caudate, limbic lobe, frontal lobe).
- Significant white matter volume reduction was observed along the lateral ventricles and corpus callosum.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed reduced fractional anisotropy mirroring FLAIR lesions, with increased mean diffusivity (MD) being the most widespread abnormality, extending into normal-appearing white matter.
- Increased MD values showed significant correlations with longer disease duration and higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores.
Conclusions:
- Combined voxel-based MRI analysis (volumetry, FLAIR, DTI) effectively detects widespread brain abnormalities in MS.
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), especially mean diffusivity (MD), is a highly sensitive marker for widespread neurodegeneration in MS.
- DTI findings, particularly MD, correlate significantly with clinical disease severity and duration, highlighting its prognostic value.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:14Brain Imaging
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).