Multiple sclerosis lesions: insights from imaging techniques.
The hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology is the presence of inflammatory demyelinated lesions distributed throughout the CNS. Along with more diffuse tissue abnormalities, it is considered one of the major determinants of neurological deficit in MS. Conventional MRI has contributed to improve our understanding of MS pathology and has provided objective and reliable measures to monitor the effect of treatments. Advanced MRI techniques have offered the opportunity to quantify pathological changes in lesions, as well as in normal-appearing brain tissue and to characterize their dynamics. This review will discuss the characteristics and development of MS lesions and the contribution of conventional and quantitative MRI techniques to understanding pathological changes associated with them.
Tomassini
Valentina
V
Oxford Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), The University of Oxford, Department of Clinical Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headigton, Oxford OX39DU, UK. valentt@fmrib.ox.ac.uk
Palace
Jacqueline
J
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000473:pathology*