Diffusion tensor imaging in multiple sclerosis at different final outcomes
Journal article, 2018

OBJECTIVES: Methods to evaluate the relative contributions of demyelination vs axonal degeneration over the long-term course of MS are urgently needed. We used magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to estimate degrees of demyelination and axonal degeneration in the corpus callosum (CC) in cases of MS with different final outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined DTI measures mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and axial (AD) and radial (RD) diffusivities in the CC of 31 MS patients, of whom 13 presented a secondary progressive course, 11 a non-progressive course, and seven a monophasic course. The study participants were survivors from an incidence cohort of 254 attack-onset MS patients with 50 years of longitudinal follow-up. As reference, we included five healthy individuals without significant morbidity. RESULTS: In patients with secondary progression, compared to all other groups, the corpus callosum showed increased RD and reduced FA, but no change in AD. None of the parameters exhibited differences among non-progressive and monophasic course groups and controls. CONCLUSION: Increased RD was observed in secondary progressive MS, indicating significant myelin loss. Normal RD values observed in the clinically isolated syndrome and non-progressive groups confirm their benign nature. AD was not a characterizing parameter for long-term outcome. Demyelination revealed by increased RD is a distinguishing trait for secondary progression.

Diffusion tensor imaging

Fractional anisometropy

Radial diffusivity

Relapsing-remitting phase

Magnetic resonance imaging

Secondary progressive phase

Multiple sclerosis

Axial diffusivity

Author

O. Andersen

University of Gothenburg

Anders Hildeman

University of Gothenburg

Chalmers, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Marco Longfils

Chalmers, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Mathematics and Statistics

University of Gothenburg

H. Tedeholm

University of Gothenburg

B. Skoog

University of Gothenburg

W. Tian

University of Rochester

J. Zhong

University of Rochester

S. Ekholm

University of Rochester

University of Gothenburg

L. Novakova

University of Gothenburg

B. Runmarker

University of Gothenburg

Olle Nerman

Chalmers, Mathematical Sciences, Applied Mathematics and Statistics

University of Gothenburg

S. A. Maier

University of Gothenburg

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica

0001-6314 (ISSN) 1600-0404 (eISSN)

Vol. 137 2 165-173

Subject Categories

Rheumatology and Autoimmunity

Neurology

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging

DOI

10.1111/ane.12797

PubMed

28741711

More information

Latest update

3/5/2020 1