RSNA 2003 

Abstract Archives of the RSNA, 2003


K13-976

A Study of MR Diffusion Changes in Normal Appearing White Matter of Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Scientific Papers

Presented on December 3, 2003
Presented as part of K13: Neuroradiology/Head and Neck (White Matter Matters)

Participants

Guglielmo Manenti MD, PRESENTER: Nothing to Disclose

Abstract: HTML Purpose: The stage at which normal appearing white matter (NAWM) abnormalities first appear in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not clear. The aim of our study was to monitor water diffusion changes over time in NAWM of patients with relapsing-remitting MS and to monitor water diffusion changes in Patients with different disability status (2<=EDSS<3.5 and EDSS <2) and with different clinical status (Pousse' + and Pousse' -). Methods and Materials: We selected 18 subjects who had completed a 6 months follow up. The MR scans obtained at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months were reviewed according to the new criteria on the diagnosis of MS. Two ROI were placed in each emisphere in the NAWM in each MR study and the ADC-value were calculated in Patients and in 15 healthy controls. Results: TADC in NAWM in patients was significantly higher then in controls (controls mean tADC +/- sd = 0,731 +/-0,015 mm2/sec x 10-3; patients mean tADC6 +/- sd = 0,7655 +/-0,108 mm2/sec x 10-3; p<0,01). TADC in NAWM in patients with 2<= EDSS<3.5 was significantly higher then in patients with EDSS <2 (patients with 2<= EDSS<3.5 mean tADC +/- sd = 0,778 +/-0,044 mm2/sec x 10-3; patients with EDSS <2 mean tADC +/- sd = 0,752 +/- 0,050 mm2/sec x 10-3; p<0,01). TADC in NAWM in patients with Pousse' was significantly higher then in patients without Pousse' (patients with Pousse' mean tADC +/- sd = 0,786 +/-0,022 mm2/sec x 10-3; patients without Pousse' mean tADC +/- sd = 0,760 +/- 0,049 mm2/sec x 10-3; p<0,01). Conclusion: This study suggests that diffusion MR can detect alterations in NAWM of patients with relapsing-remitting MS. These alterations are correlated with disability status and clinical activity and may contribute to new neurological impairment.       Questions about this event email: guggi@tiscali.it

Cite This Abstract

Manenti MD, G, A Study of MR Diffusion Changes in Normal Appearing White Matter of Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2003 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 30 - December 5, 2003 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2003/3107026.html