The clinical value of deep gray matter 3T MRI perfusion in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder between adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice, new MRI techniques helped in more accurate assessment of the disease extent, activity and severity. In dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), the perfusion of the lesions as well as normally appearing white and gray matter of the brain have been assessed. Objective. To highlight the role of MRI perfusion of the deep gray matter in multiple sclerosis patients and its relation to their clinical disability and cognitive impairment. Methods. 40 patients with MS were enrolled in this study, they were divided into two groups (group A with mild clinical disease and preserved cognitive functions, and group B with marked clinical disease and cognitive functions impairment) they were divided according to their clinical disability and cognitive impairment assessed by experienced neurologist. Additional 20 healthy controls were included. Perfusion parameters including cerebral blood volume(CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mean transit time (MTT) of the deep gray matter were compared for healthy controls and for the study groups. Results. The perfusion values of the thalamus, putamen and caudate were significantly changed in group B that shows marked decrease in CBV and CBF and increased MTT compared with group A and the controls, With respect to group (A), there was no significant difference between the patients and controls. Conclusion. The decrease of perfusion of the deep gray matter in patients with MS is associated with the severity of the disease and cognitive impairment.

Keywords

• multiple sclerosis
• dynamic susceptibility contrast
• deep gray matter perfusion