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Updated: May 6, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Quantitative MRI analysis in children with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter feasibility pilot study
Background:
Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare disorder with significant consequences. Quantitative MRI measurements may provide significant insights, however multicenter collaborative studies are needed given the small numbers of subjects. The goal of this study is to demonstrate feasibility and evaluate lesion volume (LV) characteristics in a multicenter cohort of children with MS.
Methods:
A common MRI-scanning guideline was implemented at six member sites of the U.S. Network of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence. We included in this study the first ten scans performed at each site on patients meeting the following inclusion criteria: pediatric RRMS within 3 years of disease onset, examination within 1 month of MRI and no steroids 1 month prior to MRI. We quantified T2 number, T2-LV and individual lesion size in a total of 53 MRIs passing quality control procedures and assessed gadolinium-enhancing lesion number and LV in 55 scans. We studied MRI measures according to demographic features including age, race, ethnicity and disability scores, controlling for disease duration and treatment duration using negative binomial regression and linear regression.
Results:
The mean number of T2 lesions was 24.30 ± 19.68 (range:1-113) and mean gadolinium-enhancing lesion count was 1.85 ± 5.84, (range:0-32). Individual lesion size ranged from 14.31 to 55750.60 mm3. Non-white subjects had higher T2-LV (unadjusted pT2-LV = 0.028; adjusted pT2-LV = 0.044), and maximal individual T2-LV (unadjusted pMax = 0.007; adjusted pMax = 0.011) than white patients. We also found a trend toward larger mean lesion size in males than females (p = 0.07).
Conclusion:
Assessment of MRI lesion LV characteristics is feasible in a multicenter cohort of children with MS.
Insights
Multicenter MRI studies in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) are feasible. Quantitative lesion volume (LV) analysis revealed differences in lesion load among demographic groups, highlighting the need for further research in pediatric MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare but impactful neurological disorder.
- Quantitative MRI offers valuable insights into MS, but multicenter studies are crucial due to small patient numbers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of a multicenter approach for assessing pediatric MS.
- To evaluate lesion volume (LV) characteristics in a collaborative cohort of children with MS.
Main Methods:
- Implemented standardized MRI scanning protocols across six U.S. pediatric MS centers.
- Analyzed T2 lesion number, T2-lesion volume (LV), individual lesion size, and gadolinium-enhancing lesion characteristics in 53-55 pediatric MS patients.
- Utilized regression analyses to examine MRI measures in relation to demographic factors, controlling for disease and treatment duration.
Main Results:
- Mean T2 lesion count was 24.30 ± 19.68; mean enhancing lesion count was 1.85 ± 5.84.
- Non-white subjects exhibited significantly higher T2-lesion volume (LV) and maximal individual T2-LV compared to white patients.
- A trend suggested larger mean lesion size in males than females.
Conclusions:
- Assessing MRI lesion volume characteristics is feasible in a multicenter pediatric MS cohort.
- Quantitative MRI metrics can reveal demographic-based differences in disease burden in pediatric MS.
