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Updated: May 8, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Pathological correlates of magnetic resonance imaging texture heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis
Yunyan Zhang1, G R Wayne Moore, Cornelia Laule
1Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
Objective:
To analyze the texture of T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brain, and to determine whether and how MRI texture correlates with tissue pathology.
Methods:
Ten brain samples from 3 subjects with MS were examined. Areas of complete, partial, or no loss of Luxol fast blue (myelin) and Bielschowsky (axons) staining were marked on histological images, and matched on corresponding MRI as lesions, diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM), and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). The number of CD45(+) cells (inflammation) was also counted. MRI texture was computed using polar Stockwell transform and compared to histology.
Results:
Thirty-four lesions, 17 DAWM regions, and 36 NAWM regions were identified. After mixed effects modeling, MRI texture heterogeneity was greater in lesions than in DAWM (p < 0.001) and NAWM (p < 0.001), and was greater in DAWM than in NAWM (p < 0.001); the number of CD45+ cells was greater in both lesions (p < 0.001) and DAWM (p = 0.005) than in NAWM. In MRI, a gradient of texture heterogeneity was detected in lesions, with gradual tapering toward perilesional NAWM. Moreover, besides univariate correlation with histological markers, texture heterogeneity correlated independently with normalized myelin density (p < 0.01) when random effects were considered. Within sample, MRI texture correlated with myelin and axonal density in 7 of 10 samples (p < 0.01).
Interpretation:
Texture analysis performed on routine clinical magnetic resonance images may be a potential measure of tissue integrity. Tissues with more severe myelin and axonal pathology are associated with greater texture heterogeneity.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) texture analysis reveals greater heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) compared to normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). This heterogeneity correlates with myelin and axonal loss, indicating MRI texture
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuropathology
- Quantitative MRI
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease characterized by white matter lesions and diffuse abnormalities.
- Accurate assessment of tissue pathology in MS using in vivo imaging remains challenging.
- Histopathological hallmarks include myelin and axonal loss, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) texture in postmortem multiple sclerosis (MS) brains.
- To correlate MRI texture features with specific tissue pathologies, including myelin and axonal integrity and inflammation.
- To evaluate the potential of MRI texture analysis as a measure of tissue integrity in MS.
Main Methods:
- Postmortem brain samples from 3 subjects with MS were analyzed.
- Histological assessment involved Luxol fast blue (myelin) and Bielschowsky (axon) staining, and CD45+ cell counting for inflammation.
- Regions of interest (lesions, diffusely abnormal white matter [DAWM], normal-appearing white matter [NAWM]) were matched between histology and T2-weighted MRI.
- MRI texture was computed using polar Stockwell transform and statistically compared to histological findings.
Main Results:
- Texture heterogeneity was significantly greater in MS lesions and DAWM compared to NAWM (p < 0.001).
- Inflammation (CD45+ cells) was elevated in lesions and DAWM versus NAWM.
- MRI texture heterogeneity showed a gradient within lesions and independently correlated with myelin density (p < 0.01), and with myelin and axonal density in most samples (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Texture analysis of T2-weighted MRI can quantify tissue alterations in MS.
- Increased MRI texture heterogeneity is associated with more severe myelin and axonal pathology.
- This technique shows potential as a non-invasive biomarker for tissue integrity in multiple sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
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