Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Dynamic Changes in Long-Standing Multiple Sclerosis Revealed by Longitudinal Structural Network Analysis Using
Hui-Qin Zhang1,2, Jacky Chi-Yan Lee3, Lu Wang4
1From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (H.-Q.Z.), National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Background And Purpose:
DTI can be used to derive conventional diffusion measurements, which can measure WM abnormalities in multiple sclerosis. DTI can also be used to construct structural brain networks and derive network measurements. However, few studies have compared their sensitivity in detecting brain alterations, especially in longitudinal studies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine which type of measurement is more sensitive in tracking the dynamic changes over time in MS.
Materials And Methods:
Eighteen patients with MS were recruited at baseline and followed up at 6 and 12 months. All patients underwent MR imaging and clinical evaluation at 3 time points. Diffusion and network measurements were derived, and their brain changes were evaluated.
Results:
None of the conventional DTI measurements displayed statistically significant changes during the follow-up period; however, the nodal degree, nodal efficiency, and nodal path length of the left middle frontal gyrus and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part showed significant longitudinal changes between baseline and at 12 months, respectively.
Conclusions:
The nodal degree, nodal efficiency, and nodal path length of the left middle frontal gyrus and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part may be used to monitor brain changes over time in MS.
