Weekly diffusion-weighted imaging of normal-appearing white matter in MS.
To elucidate the dynamics and the nature of normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) changes preceding new lesion formation in MS, the authors obtained weekly diffusion-weighted images for 12 weeks from 6 patients. NAWM areas subsequently involved by enhancement had a significant increase in mean diffusivity values starting 6 weeks before the appearance of enhancement (p values ranging between < 0.0001 and 0.04). This suggests that focal edema and demyelination play a part in the NAWM changes preceding new lesion formation in MS.
Rocca
M A
MA
Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, University of Milan, Italy.
Cercignani
M
M
Iannucci
G
G
Comi
G
G
Filippi
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D004058:Diffusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors