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01-08-2016 | Neuro

Changes and variability of proton density and T1 relaxation times in early multiple sclerosis: MRI markers of neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex

Authors: René-Maxime Gracien, Sarah C. Reitz, Stephanie Michelle Hof, Vinzenz Fleischer, Hilga Zimmermann, Amgad Droby, Helmuth Steinmetz, Frauke Zipp, Ralf Deichmann, Johannes C. Klein

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Objectives

Proton density (PD) and T1 relaxation time are promising quantitative MRI (qMRI) markers of neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is unknown whether cortical differences of these parameters between patients and controls exist in the early stages of disease. This study investigates cortical T1 and PD in early MS stages, hypothesizing that these are altered and display a high spatial variability.

Methods

Quantitative T1 and PD mapping was performed on 11 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)/early MS in remission and 11 healthy controls. The normal appearing cortical gray matter was extracted, lobar regions were identified, and mean values and standard deviations of both parameters were calculated within each region.

Results

Increased PD was detected in MS/CIS patients in the cerebral cortex as a whole and all subregions, indicating an increase of water content. Increase of PD variability reached significance in the whole cortex and in the frontal and parietal regions. Longer T1 relaxation times and increased variability were found in the cerebral cortex in all regions studied, indicating a change of microstructural tissue composition that is spatially heterogeneous.

Conclusions

The data show spatially heterogeneous cortical involvement in early MS is reflected in T1 and PD qMRI.

Key Points

• Cortical involvement in early MS is reflected in T1/PD quantitative MRI.

• The changes are spatially heterogeneous.

• Cortical damage goes beyond increased water content.

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Title: Changes and variability of proton density and T1 relaxation times in early multiple sclerosis: MRI markers of neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex
Authors: René-Maxime Gracien
Sarah C. Reitz
Stephanie Michelle Hof
Vinzenz Fleischer
Hilga Zimmermann
Amgad Droby
Helmuth Steinmetz
Frauke Zipp
Ralf Deichmann
Johannes C. Klein
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Radiology / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-015-4072-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Changes and variability of proton density and T1 relaxation times in early multiple sclerosis: MRI markers of neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Key Points

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