A preliminary diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging study of early-onset multiple sclerosis.
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.
Mezzapesa
Domenico M
DM
Neuroimaging Research Unit and the Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Rocca
Maria A
MA
Falini
Andrea
A
Rodegher
Maria E
ME
Ghezzi
Angelo
A
Comi
Giancarlo
G
Filippi
Massimo
M
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