Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Updates in Multiple Sclerosis Imaging
Zachery Rohm1, Ahmad Toubasi1, Carynn Koch1
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS), one of the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults, is a chronic central nervous system disease characterized by immune-mediated inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. MS may be difficult to diagnose due to its protean neurological manifestations and the multitude of other neurologic conditions that can produce white matter lesions similar to MS demyelinating lesions. The wide clinical variability of the disease makes it challenging to provide an accurate prognosis in an individual with MS.
Observations:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers such as T2-lesions, chronic black holes, atrophy, paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), and the central vein sign (CVS), may assist clinicians with the diagnosis and prognostication of MS. Underscoring their importance, PRL and CVS will be incorporated into the 2024 iteration of the McDonald Criteria for the diagnosis of MS. Quantitative MRI techniques, utilized in translational research, can quantify the degree of microstructural injury and guide the development of future therapies. This review discusses the impact, recent advances, and limitations of imaging biomarkers and quantitative MRI techniques with regard to routine MS clinical care and translational research.
Conclusions:
Clinicians caring for people with MS should have a basic understanding of imaging biomarkers and their implications for routine clinical care.
Insights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarkers aid in diagnosing and predicting outcomes for multiple sclerosis (MS). New criteria incorporate paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL) and central vein sign (CVS) for improved MS diagnosis and patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.
- MS diagnosis is challenging due to varied symptoms and overlapping lesions with other conditions.
- Clinical variability complicates accurate prognosis for individuals with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact, advances, and limitations of imaging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To discuss the role of quantitative MRI techniques in MS clinical care and research.
- To highlight the importance of understanding imaging biomarkers for clinicians managing MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on MRI biomarkers for MS diagnosis and prognostication.
- Discussion of quantitative MRI techniques for assessing microstructural injury.
- Analysis of the integration of new biomarkers into diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- MRI biomarkers like T2-lesions, black holes, atrophy, paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL), and central vein sign (CVS) assist in MS diagnosis and prognosis.
- PRL and CVS will be included in the 2024 McDonald Criteria, enhancing MS diagnostic accuracy.
- Quantitative MRI provides microstructural injury assessment, crucial for therapeutic development.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians require a foundational understanding of imaging biomarkers for effective MS patient management.
- Imaging biomarkers are increasingly vital for both routine clinical care and translational research in MS.
- Advances in MRI techniques offer improved diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for multiple sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

