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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Myelin measurement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with synthetic MRI: A potential diagnostic and predictive method
Megumi Toko1, Tomohiko Ohshita2, Masahiro Nakamori1
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan.
Background:
Myelin damage has recently been highlighted as a major causative factor of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although myelin damage has been pathologically identified in ALS, it has not been clinically evaluated. This study aimed to quantify myelin volume using synthetic MRI to evaluate myelin damage in patients with ALS, and determine its association with clinical parameters.
Methods:
We evaluated patients with ALS (n = 35) and individuals (n = 16) without intracranial disease using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and measured total myelin volume (TMV), myelin fraction (MYF), and myelin partial volume (VMY) in the cerebral peduncle and the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC). We also investigated factors associated with acquired quantitative values.
Results:
The TMV was significantly lower in the patients with ALS than in the control group (P = 0.045). The TMV (r = 0.42, P = 0.013) and MYF (r = 0.34, P = 0.047) significantly correlated with Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) scores in the patients, and MYF was independent of the traditional white matter lesion grading score. The VMY of the PLIC was significantly lower in the ALS than the control group (P = 0.018), and the ALS group significantly correlated with ALSFRS-R scores (r = 0.36, P = 0.033).
Conclusions:
Myelin damage can be quantified by synthetic MRI as reduced myelin volume, with the possibility of predicting prognoses in patients with ALS. Furthermore, myelin measurements in the PLIC might be a novel diagnostic marker for ALS.
Insights
Synthetic MRI quantifies myelin damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by measuring reduced myelin volume. This myelin quantification may predict patient prognosis and serve as a novel diagnostic marker for ALS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Myelin damage is a key factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
- Clinical evaluation of myelin damage in ALS has been limited.
- This study addresses the need to quantify myelin in ALS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify myelin volume in ALS patients using synthetic MRI.
- To assess the association between myelin volume and clinical parameters in ALS.
- To explore the potential of myelin measurements as a diagnostic marker and prognostic tool for ALS.
Main Methods:
- Synthetic MRI was used to evaluate 35 ALS patients and 16 controls.
- Key metrics measured included total myelin volume (TMV), myelin fraction (MYF), and myelin partial volume (VMY).
- Measurements were taken in the cerebral peduncle and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC).
Main Results:
- ALS patients showed significantly lower TMV compared to controls.
- TMV and MYF correlated with ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) scores.
- Reduced VMY in the PLIC was observed in ALS patients and correlated with ALSFRS-R scores.
Conclusions:
- Myelin damage in ALS can be quantified using synthetic MRI, indicated by reduced myelin volume.
- Myelin measurements show potential for predicting ALS prognosis.
- Myelin quantification in the PLIC may serve as a novel diagnostic marker for ALS.
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