[Cutting-edge of advanced MRI for demyelinating diseases]

Demyelination shows different pathological changes spatially and temporarily, but conventional MRI cannot correctly demonstrate such pathological differences. Recently several advanced MRI techniques are introduced and especially magnetization transfer contrast, diffusion tensor imaging and MR spectroscopy are reported as the useful techniques to detect pathological and neurochemical differences on demyelinating diseases. By these newly-developed techniques, it may be possible to detect pathological and neurochemical changes on demyelinating diseases more correctly, leading to more appropriate therapy and correct prediction of patient's prognosis.