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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Relationship between MRI perfusion and clinical severity in multiple sclerosis
Maria Marcella Lagana1, Laura Pelizzari1, Francesca Baglio1
1IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
Perfusion alterations within several brain regions have been shown in multiple sclerosis patients using different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Furthermore, MRI-derived brain perfusion metrics have been investigated in association with multiple sclerosis phenotypes, physical disability, and cognitive impairment. However, a review focused on these aspects is still missing. Our aim was to review all the studies investigating the relationship between perfusion MRI and clinical severity during the last fifteen years to understand the clinical relevance of these findings. Perfusion differences among phenotypes were observed both with 1.5T and 3T scanners, with progressive multiple sclerosis presenting with lower perfusion values than relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. However, only 3T scanners showed a statistically significant distinction. Controversial results about the association between MRI-derived perfusion metrics and physical disability scores were found. However, the majority of the studies showed that lower brain perfusion and longer transit time are associated with more severe physical disability and worse cognitive performances.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals brain perfusion changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Lower perfusion is linked to progressive MS, physical disability, and cognitive decline, especially with 3T scanners.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Alterations in brain perfusion have been observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.
- MRI-derived perfusion metrics are being explored for their association with MS phenotypes, physical disability, and cognitive impairment.
- A comprehensive review on the clinical relevance of perfusion MRI in MS is currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies investigating the relationship between perfusion MRI and clinical severity in multiple sclerosis over the past 15 years.
- To elucidate the clinical relevance of perfusion MRI findings in understanding MS progression and impact.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies utilizing perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Analysis focused on the last fifteen years of research correlating perfusion metrics with MS phenotypes, physical disability, and cognitive function.
- Comparison of findings from different MRI scanner strengths (1.5T and 3T).
Main Results:
- Perfusion differences were observed between multiple sclerosis phenotypes using both 1.5T and 3T scanners.
- Progressive MS patients showed lower perfusion values compared to relapsing-remitting MS patients, with statistical significance only at 3T.
- While results on physical disability were controversial, most studies indicated that lower brain perfusion and longer transit times correlate with increased physical disability and poorer cognitive performance.
Conclusions:
- Perfusion MRI, particularly with 3T scanners, can differentiate between multiple sclerosis phenotypes.
- Reduced brain perfusion and prolonged transit times are associated with greater physical disability and cognitive impairment in MS patients.
- Perfusion MRI holds clinical relevance for assessing disease severity and progression in multiple sclerosis.
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