Applications of MR fiber tractography imaging in multiple scleros

Abstract

Aim of the study: To evaluate role of fiber tractography in the assessment of white matter (WM) fiber tract affection in patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patient and methods: Using fiber tractography, WM tract fibers were evaluated in 12 patients with MS and 8 healthy controls in correlation with motor disability in variants of MS, ages range 35–50 years, mean 40.9 ± 5.2. MRI imaging was obtained by using 1.5 T whole-body scanner. Fiber tractography was acquired after routine sequences. Data postprocessing and fiber tracking method were applied including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) for three regions. Results: Bilateral WM tract fiber affection was detected in 7 patients, however only 3 showed left sided lesion and 2 patients on right side. WM tract fiber was decreased in all patients; FA and MD for patients were significantly lowered compared to control on all regions (mean values of control FA = 1.07 ± 0.34, MD = 1.27 ± 0.36, with P < 0.05 for all differences). Conclusion: Fiber tractography is a promising non-invasive method for assessing the WM tract affection in patients with MS. It provides an accurate characterization of tissue injury including demyelination and axonal injury.

Keywords

• MR
• Tractography
• Multiple sclerosis