Spinal cord MRI using multi-array coils and fast spin echo. II. Findings in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
• Spinal cord involvement is common in MS but often underestimated.
• Accurate assessment of spinal cord pathology is crucial for understanding MS progression and disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of advanced MRI techniques for detecting spinal cord lesions in MS patients.
• To investigate the relationship between spinal cord lesions, atrophy, and clinical disability in MS.

Main Methods:

• Brain and spinal cord MRI was performed on 80 patients with MS using multi-array coils and fast spin echo sequences.
• Spinal cord cross-sectional areas were measured at four levels to assess atrophy.
• Correlation analysis was conducted between MRI findings (lesions, atrophy) and clinical disability scores.

Main Results:

• 139 intrinsic spinal cord lesions were identified in 59% of patients (74%).
• Cervical cord lesions were more frequent than thoracic cord lesions.
• Spinal cord atrophy was observed in 40% of patients and correlated with clinical disability, whereas lesion load did not.

Conclusions:

• Multi-array coils and fast spin echo enable sensitive and rapid detection of spinal cord lesions in MS.
• The spinal cord is frequently affected in MS patients.
• The complex relationship between spinal cord pathology and disability highlights the multifactorial nature of MS progression.