Using diffusion-weighted MRI in multicenter clinical trials for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This paper reviews the current state of knowledge about the use of diffusion-weighted MRI in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The contribution that diffusion-weighted imaging has made to our understanding of MS is critically appraised, and pointers are given to the sort of work that needs to be done before diffusion-weighted MRI could be recommended for inclusion in a clinical trial. The types of procedures that would be needed for quality assurance of diffusion data, and the data collection schemes that would lead to reliable data, are then reviewed. The quantitative nature of diffusion MRI makes it an attractive proposition for inclusion in clinical trials for MS therapeutic agents, but without further validation work with clinical correlates cannot be recommended at present.