Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation in multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
The theory of relaxation processes and their measurements are described. An overview is presented of the literature on relaxation time measurements in the normal and the developing brain, in experimental diseases in animals, and in patients with multiple sclerosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Relaxation time measurements provide insight into development of multiple sclerosis plaques, especially the occurrence of oedema, demyelination, and gliosis. There is also evidence that normal appearing white matter in patients with multiple sclerosis is affected. What is now needed are fast and accurate relaxation time measurement procedures, which cover the whole brain. Relaxation time measurements could then provide an important tool for studying the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases and thus be useful in follow up studies.
Larsson
H B
HB
Danish Research Center of Magnetic Resonance, Hvidovre University Hospital.
Barker
G J
GJ
MacKay
A
A
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*