Seiji Kubota, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hisashi Kawai, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiroshi Fukatsu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Research Consultant, Image Intech Corporation

Shinji Naganawa MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Histopathologic studies have shown that multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions have a perivenous distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depiction of a central vein running through MS lesions by non-enhanced susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) at 3-tesla.

Sixteen patients (23-64 years old) with clinically definite MS underwent MR imaging at 3-tesla. Venographic studies were obtained by non-enhanced SWI. MS lesions were defined as the lesion that were visible on 3D-FLAIR imaging as discrete hyperintense areas more than a diameter of 3mm. Depiction frequency of a central vein in MS lesions on SWI was examined.

A total of 176 MS lesions could be identified on 3D-FLAIR imaging, and a central vein was visible in 61 MS lesions. Depiction frequency was 34.7%. In areas more than a diameter of 10mm, its depiction rate was 68.8%.

According to a former study using enhanced SWI at 1.5-tesla, it was reported that a central vein could be seen in almost all MS lesions. Depiction rate of a central vein in MS lesions was lower in our study using non-enhanced SWI at 3-tesla.

MR venography using non-enhanced SWI at 3-tesla could not always depict a central vein running through MS lesions.

Kubota, S, Kawai, H, Fukatsu, H, Naganawa, S, Venography of Multiple Sclerosis Using Susceptibility-weighted Imaging at 3-Tesla MRI.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5006018.html