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Evaluation of IVIM in the Spinal Cord of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Brian Johnson1, Christine Heales2

  • 1Brian Johnson, PhD, R.T.(MR)(N), CNMT, works for Philips in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Department of Radiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Radiologic Technology
|March 22, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging did not significantly differentiate spinal cord microcirculation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus healthy individuals. However, IVIM shows promise for evaluating spinal cord changes in MS.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Radiology
  • Medical Physics

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • Spinal cord involvement is common in MS and contributes to disability.
  • Understanding microcirculation changes in the spinal cord is crucial for MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in detecting spinal cord microcirculation alterations in MS patients.
  • To compare IVIM-derived metrics between individuals with MS and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Fifteen healthy individuals and 15 MS patients underwent 3 T IVIM MR imaging.
  • 2-D axial gradient recalled echo and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences were utilized.
  • IVIM metrics (perfusion fraction, pseudo-diffusion, diffusion coefficients) were calculated and compared using unpaired t-tests.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences in IVIM metrics were observed between MS patients and healthy individuals.
  • The white matter region of interest showed the lowest P-values for perfusion fraction and pseudo-diffusion (P=0.082 and P=0.055, respectively).
  • Gray matter regions of interest exhibited higher P-values, indicating less distinction.

Conclusions:

  • Current IVIM parameters did not significantly differentiate spinal cord microcirculation in MS patients compared to controls.
  • The study aligns with brain-based IVIM findings in MS, suggesting potential reduced gray matter perfusion in MS patients.
  • IVIM imaging holds promise for future evaluation of spinal cord microvascular and diffusion characteristics in MS, potentially aiding in disease progression and treatment monitoring.
Keywords:
intravoxel incoherent motionmagnetic resonance imagingmultiple sclerosisspinal cord

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