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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
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Microstructural white matter abnormalities in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders:
Shimpei Kato1, Akifumi Hagiwara2, Kazumasa Yokoyama3
1Department of Radiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 8, 2022
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), free water (FW) imaging, and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) can differentiate between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). These advanced MRI techniques reveal distinct microstructural changes in MS and NMOSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Distinguishing multiple sclerosis (MS) from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is clinically challenging due to overlapping symptoms and pathogenesis.
- Advanced neuroimaging techniques are crucial for accurate differential diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discriminate between MS and NMOSD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), free water (FW) imaging, and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI).
- To identify unique microstructural changes associated with each condition.
Main Methods:
- MRI scans were performed on 30 relapsing-remitting MS patients, 18 NMOSD patients (anti-aquaporin-4 IgG positive), and 20 healthy controls.
- Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and region-of-interest (ROI) analyses were used to evaluate DTI, FW, and NODDI indices.
Main Results:
- Region-of-interest (ROI) analysis revealed higher axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and free water (FW) content in MS patients compared to NMOSD patients.
- TBSS analysis indicated increased water content in MS patients versus NMOSD patients.
- FW imaging showed more limited changes in MS patients compared to DTI findings.
Conclusions:
- Free water (FW) imaging and NODDI are valuable tools for identifying neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation-related microstructural changes in MS and NMOSD.
- These advanced MRI techniques aid in differentiating between MS and NMOSD.
