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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Spatiotemporal alterations of gray matter microstructure in newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Mikkel K E Nygaard1, Morten Riemenschneider2, Tobias Gaemelke2
1Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Background:
In multiple sclerosis (MS), neurodegeneration occurs in both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM). Altered GM microstructure, estimated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), correlates with clinical disability and demyelinating WM lesions. Therefore, MRI measurements of GM microstructure may be an early biomarker in MS.
Objectives:
The study aims to investigate the association between the microstructural characteristics of cortical and subcortical GM and clinical disability in newly diagnosed patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Secondarily, the study investigates potential longitudinal alterations of tissue microstructure in relation to clinical disability and changes in WM lesion volume.
Methods:
Eighty-two newly diagnosed RRMS patients were physically and cognitively tested and brain scanned using structural and diffusion kurtosis MRI at baseline and after 48 weeks.
Results:
At baseline, WM lesion volume correlated with mean diffusivity (MD) in cortex, thalamus (r2 = 0.52), caudate (r2 = 0.40) and putamen (r2 = 0.37), and with thalamus volume (r2 = 0.67). Longitudinally, increased lesion volume from baseline to 48 weeks was associated with a spatiotemporal increase in cortical MD.
Conclusions:
The microstructure of cortical and subcortical GM is associated with both the degree and change of lesion volume in patients with RRMS. Diffusion MRI could serve as a surrogate measure of WM injury and longitudinal neurodegeneration in MS.
Insights
Gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) are linked to disability. Diffusion MRI shows potential as a biomarker for tracking neurodegeneration and WM injury in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) affects both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM).
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments of GM microstructure correlate with clinical disability and WM lesions.
- GM microstructure MRI may serve as an early biomarker for MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the association between cortical and subcortical GM microstructure and clinical disability in newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients.
- Examine longitudinal changes in tissue microstructure concerning clinical disability and WM lesion volume.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two newly diagnosed RRMS patients underwent physical and cognitive testing.
- Brain scans using structural and diffusion kurtosis MRI were performed at baseline and 48 weeks.
- Analysis focused on correlations between microstructural characteristics and clinical/lesion data.
Main Results:
- Baseline WM lesion volume correlated with mean diffusivity (MD) in the cortex, thalamus, caudate, and putamen.
- Thalamus volume also correlated significantly with baseline WM lesion volume.
- Longitudinally, increased WM lesion volume was associated with increased cortical MD over 48 weeks.
Conclusions:
- GM microstructure is associated with the degree and progression of lesion volume in RRMS.
- Diffusion MRI shows promise as a surrogate for assessing WM injury and longitudinal neurodegeneration in MS.
