title: A preliminary diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging study of early-onset multiple sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) typically has a more favorable course than adult-onset disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the extent of microscopic tissue damage in the brain and cervical cord of patients with early-onset MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a single magnetic resonance imaging session, images of the brain and spinal cord were obtained using diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 13 patients with early-onset MS and 10 healthy volunteers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with control subjects, patients with early-onset MS showed only a slight increase of the average mean diffusivity of the normal-appearing brain tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The relatively modest central nervous system damage detected in these patients might explain why early-onset MS typically has a more favorable clinical course than adult-onset MS.
authors.affiliation: Neuroimaging Research Unit and the Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Mezzapesa
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rocca
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Falini
authors.forename: Maria E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Rodegher
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghezzi
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Comi
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Filippi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D017352:Echo-Planar Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology