Relationship between MRI perfusion and clinical severity in multiple sclerosis

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.