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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

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MRI in multiple sclerosis: a review of the current literature

Antonia Ceccarelli1, Rohit Bakshi, Mohit Neema

  • 1Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Partners MS Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. antonia@bwh.harvard.edu

Current Opinion in Neurology
|June 14, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) advances reveal new insights into multiple sclerosis (MS) brain and spinal cord damage. Improved MRI techniques enhance the characterization of lesions and microstructural damage, aiding diagnosis and monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by inflammation and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system.
  • Accurate assessment of brain and spinal cord involvement is crucial for understanding MS pathology and guiding treatment.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis, monitoring, and research of MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for evaluating brain and spinal cord involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • To highlight how improved MRI methods contribute to understanding MS pathogenesis, including lesion development and diffuse damage.
  • To discuss the role of advanced MRI in improving diagnostic accuracy, prognostic capabilities, and patient monitoring in MS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on MRI applications in multiple sclerosis.
  • Focus on advancements in MRI sequences, including high-field and ultra-high-field MRI.
  • Inclusion of histopathologic-MRI correlation studies to validate imaging findings.
  • Emphasis on advanced MRI postprocessing tools for detecting microstructural damage.

Main Results:

  • Refined MRI sequences have significantly improved the characterization of focal lesions, particularly cortical lesions in MS.
  • High-field (3T) and ultra-high-field (UHF) MRI have enhanced the detection of both gray and white matter microstructural damage.
  • Advanced postprocessing tools have enabled better identification of clinically relevant regional gray and white matter damage.
  • Histopathologic-MRI correlation studies are clarifying the pathological specificity and sensitivity of various MRI techniques.

Conclusions:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains a cornerstone in the investigation of multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Continuous technological progress in MRI is expected to deepen the understanding of MS disease mechanisms.
  • Advancements in MRI will further enhance diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring capabilities for patients with MS.

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