New imaging techniques in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling disorder histopathologically characterized by inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss. Conventional MRI has made most contributions to the diagnosis of MS. However, it is not sufficiently sensitive and specific to reveal the extent and severity of the damage in the disease. Other nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques including magnetic resonance spectroscopy, magnetization transfer imaging, diffusion weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI have provided additional information that improves the diagnosis and understanding of MS. Optical techniques including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy have shown promise in diagnosis and mechanistic study of myelin diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To review new imaging techniques and their potential in diagnosis of MS.


METHODS
The principles of three imaging techniques (MRI, OCT and CARS) and their applications to MS studies are described. Their advantages and disadvantages are compared.


CONCLUSIONS
Conventional MRI remains a critical tool in the diagnosis of MS. Alternative NMR/MRI techniques have improved specificity for the detection of lesions and provided more quantitative information about MS. Optical techniques including OCT and CARS microscopy are opening up new ways for diagnosis and mechanistic study of myelin diseases.
Fu
Yan
Y
Purdue University, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Talavage
Thomas M
TM
Cheng
Ji-Xin
JX