Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in multiple sclerosis: comparison with contrast-enhanced study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the utility of cerebral diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging.


METHODS
We reviewed T2-weighted spin-echo (SE), fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE and echo-planar diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) obtained in seven patients with definite MS on nine occasions.


RESULTS
In total, 94 plaques were demonstrated on T2-weighted SE and/or FLAIR images. A total of 13 of these plaques showed enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on DWIs, and five non-enhancing plaques showed hyperintensity on DWIs.


CONCLUSIONS
Diffusion-weighted imaging, which provides information based on pathophysiology different from contrast-enhanced imaging, is a potential supplementary technique for characterizing MS plaques.
Tsuchiya
K
K
Department of Radiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. rxl03761@nifty.ne.jp
Hachiya
J
J
Maehara
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*