Imaging of microglial activation in MS using PET: Research use and potential future clinical application

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease with various pathological processes.
• Current imaging methods like MRI lack specificity for certain MS pathologies.
• Neuropathology is invasive and does not allow for longitudinal patient studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential applications of positron emission topography (PET) in studying multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To highlight PET's ability to provide specific, quantitative, and non-invasive in vivo imaging of MS pathology.
• To discuss the challenges and promises of using PET for MS research and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• This is a topical review, synthesizing existing literature on PET imaging in MS.
• The review focuses on the capabilities of PET compared to MRI and neuropathology.
• It examines the potential for developing PET-based biomarkers for neuroinflammation in MS.

Main Results:

• PET offers unique advantages over MRI by providing specific and quantitative pathological information.
• PET enables non-invasive, in vivo, and longitudinal assessment of MS pathology in living patients.
• PET can evaluate specific pathological characteristics across different stages of MS.

Conclusions:

• Positron emission topography (PET) holds significant promise for advancing the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Developing non-invasive PET biomarkers for neuroinflammation is crucial for prognosis and measuring therapeutic response in MS.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges and fully realize PET's potential in MS clinical practice.