White matter spectroscopy in neuromyelitis optica: a case control study.
BACKGROUND
Naa/Cr ratio in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is altered beyond plaques, suggesting early axonal loss, and correlates to clinical disability. Brain lesions not typical of MS have been described in Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and correspond to brain aquaporin-4 channel sites, but the evaluation of Naa/Cr ratio in NAWM of patients with NMO and its association to the presence of brain lesions and clinical disability have not been described.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the Naa/Cr of normal appearing white matter (NAWM) in 16 patients with NMO compared to healthy controls.


METHODS
We performed brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of 16 patients with NMO and compared to age matched healthy controls.


RESULTS
NAWM Naa/Cr did not show statistical difference among patients and controls, neither between patients that had normal brain MRI and atypical brain lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
NAWM was found to have a normal Naa/Cr in patients with NMO, reinforcing the concept that the white matter is not primarily affected in this disease.
Bichuetti
Denis Bernardi
DB
Dept. of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Pedro de Toledo 377, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Rivero
René Leandro Magalhães
RL
de Oliveira
Enedina Maria Lobato
EM
Oliveira
Daniel May
DM
de Souza
Nilton Amorin
NA
Nogueira
Roberto Gomes
RG
Abdala
Nitamar
N
Gabbai
Alberto
A
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology*; D009471:Neuromyelitis Optica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult