title: MRI in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: MRI provides multiple uses and applications in multiple sclerosis(MS). The basic features of the MRI-detected lesions, including the underlying pathology, are discussed. MRI allows assessment of the normal-appearing white and gray matter, and neuronal tract and functional system disturbances. An overview of the clinical significance of these MRI measures is included, as a basis for understanding their role as outcome measures in clinical trials. MRI recently assumed greater importance in its role in establishing an earlier diagnosis of MS after a first clinical event, and in monitoring subclinical disease before or subsequent to the formal diagnosis. The background to these applications and practical issues are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Box A-034, Denver, CO 80262, USA. jack.simon@uchsc.edu
authors.forename: Jack H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology