Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Diffusion Sequences in Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis in Brain Versus Normally Appearing White Matter

Abstract

Background:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very vital tool to diagnose and monitor multiple sclerosis (MS). Standard MRI measures lack of pathological specificity and are weakly correlated with MS clinical manifestations. Advanced MRI techniques together with diffusion studies square measure up the understanding of the mechanisms underlying tissue injury, repair and functional adaptation in MS but, they need careful standardization. It doesn’t only enhance the understanding of the pathophysiology and evolution of disease, but also to generate research hypotheses, monitor treatment, increase cost-effectiveness and power of clinical trials. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of DTI in assessment of MS versus the normally-appearing white matter (NAWM). Patients and Methods:The study included 50 patients, 42 females and 8 males having MS (between 20 and 40 years of age) referred from Neurologists to Radio-diagnosis Department at Benha University hospitals with 5 age-matched control subjects (during the period between Aug. 2018 and Jan. 2020). Each patient included in the study was subjected to full history taking, reviewing medical sheet and MR examination including: Conventional MR examination and Diffusion Tensor imaging. Technique was performed using a standard 1.5 Tesla unit. Results:The study showed that DTI can reveal changes in NAWM in MS cases before visible sizable plaques can be detected by conventional MRI.