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Dvorak AV, Kumar D, Zhang J, Gilbert G, Balaji S, Wiley N, Laule C, Moore GW, MacKay AL, Kolind SH. The CALIPR framework for highly accelerated myelin water imaging with improved precision and sensitivity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9853. [PMID: 37910622 PMCID: PMC10619933 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are powerful tools for the study of human tissue, but, in practice, their utility has been limited by lengthy acquisition times. Here, we introduce the Constrained, Adaptive, Low-dimensional, Intrinsically Precise Reconstruction (CALIPR) framework in the context of myelin water imaging (MWI); a quantitative MRI technique generally regarded as the most rigorous approach for noninvasive, in vivo measurement of myelin content. The CALIPR framework exploits data redundancy to recover high-quality images from a small fraction of an imaging dataset, which allowed MWI to be acquired with a previously unattainable sequence (fully sampled acquisition 2 hours:57 min:20 s) in 7 min:26 s (4.2% of the dataset, acceleration factor 23.9). CALIPR quantitative metrics had excellent precision (myelin water fraction mean coefficient of variation 3.2% for the brain and 3.0% for the spinal cord) and markedly increased sensitivity to demyelinating disease pathology compared to a current, widely used technique. The CALIPR framework facilitates drastically improved MWI and could be similarly transformative for other quantitative MRI applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam V. Dvorak
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dushyant Kumar
- Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Global MR Applications & Workflow, GE HealthCare Canada, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sharada Balaji
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Neale Wiley
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cornelia Laule
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - G.R. Wayne Moore
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alex L. MacKay
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shannon H. Kolind
- Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zhu L, Lu W, Wang F, Wang Y, Wu PY, Zhou J, Liu H. Study of T2 mapping in quantifying and discriminating uterine lesions under different magnetic field strengths: 1.5 T vs. 3.0 T. BMC Med Imaging 2023; 23:1. [PMID: 36600192 PMCID: PMC9811773 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-022-00960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MRI is the best imaging tool for the evaluation of uterine tumors, but conventional MRI diagnosis results rely on radiologists and contrast agents (if needed). As a new objective, reproducible and contrast-agent free quantification technique, T2 mapping has been applied to a number of diseases, but studies on the evaluation of uterine lesions and the influence of magnetic field strength are few. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically investigate and compare the performance of T2 mapping as a nonenhanced imaging tool in discriminating common uterine lesions between 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI systems. METHODS A total of 50 healthy subjects and 126 patients with suspected uterine lesions were enrolled in our study, and routine uterine MRI sequences with additional T2 mapping sequences were performed. T2 maps were calculated by monoexponential fitting using a custom code in MATLAB. T2 values of normal uterine structures in the healthy group and lesions (benign: adenomyosis, myoma, endometrial polyps; malignant: cervical cancer, endometrial carcinoma) in the patient group were collected. The differences in T2 values between 1.5 T MRI and 3.0 T MRI in any normal structure or lesion were compared. The comparison of T2 values between benign and malignant lesions was also performed under each magnetic field strength, and the diagnostic efficacies of the T2 value obtained through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were compared between 1.5 T and 3.0 T. RESULTS The mean T2 value of any normal uterine structure or uterine lesion under 3.0 T MRI was significantly lower than that under 1.5 T MRI (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in T2 values between each lesion subgroup under both 1.5 T and 3.0 T MRI. Moreover, the T2 values of benign lesions (71.1 ± 22.0 ms at 1.5 T and 63.4 ± 19.1 ms at 3.0 T) were also significantly lower than those of malignant lesions (101.1 ± 4.5 ms at 1.5 T and 93.5 ± 5.1 ms at 3.0 T) under both field strengths. In the aspect of differentiating benign from malignant lesions, the area under the curve of the T2 value under 3.0 T (0.94) was significantly higher than that under 1.5 T MRI (0.90) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION T2 mapping can be a potential tool for quantifying common uterine lesions, and it has better performance in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions under 3.0 T MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuhong Zhu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Jihun Road No. 668, Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian China ,Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center, Xiamen for Medical Imaging, Xiamen, 361015 China
| | - Weihong Lu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Gynaecology Department, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian China
| | - Funan Wang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Jihun Road No. 668, Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian China
| | - Yanwei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian China
| | | | - Jianjun Zhou
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Jihun Road No. 668, Huli District, Xiamen, Fujian China ,grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Xuhui District, Fenglin Road No.180, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Hao Liu
- grid.413087.90000 0004 1755 3939Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Xuhui District, Fenglin Road No.180, Shanghai, 200032 China
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Combes AJ, Clarke MA, O'Grady KP, Schilling KG, Smith SA. Advanced spinal cord MRI in multiple sclerosis: Current techniques and future directions. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103244. [PMID: 36306717 PMCID: PMC9668663 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical practice for diagnosis and disease monitoring. Advanced MRI sequences capable of visualizing and quantifying tissue macro- and microstructure and reflecting different pathological disease processes have been used in MS research; however, the spinal cord remains under-explored, partly due to technical obstacles inherent to imaging this structure. We propose that the study of the spinal cord merits equal ambition in overcoming technical challenges, and that there is much information to be exploited to make valuable contributions to our understanding of MS. We present a narrative review on the latest progress in advanced spinal cord MRI in MS, covering in the first part structural, functional, metabolic and vascular imaging methods. We focus on recent studies of MS and those making significant technical steps, noting the challenges that remain to be addressed and what stands to be gained from such advances. Throughout we also refer to other works that presend more in-depth review on specific themes. In the second part, we present several topics that, in our view, hold particular potential. The need for better imaging of gray matter is discussed. We stress the importance of developing imaging beyond the cervical spinal cord, and explore the use of ultra-high field MRI. Finally, some recommendations are given for future research, from study design to newer developments in analysis, and the need for harmonization of sequences and methods within the field. This review is aimed at researchers and clinicians with an interest in gaining an overview of the current state of advanced MRI research in this field and what is primed to be the future of spinal cord imaging in MS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J.E. Combes
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Corresponding author at: 1161 21st Ave S, MCN AA1105, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Margareta A. Clarke
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States
| | - Kristin P. O'Grady
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
| | - Kurt G. Schilling
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Seth A. Smith
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States,Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
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Nunez-Gonzalez L, Nagtegaal MA, Poot DHJ, de Bresser J, van Osch MJP, Hernandez-Tamames JA, Vos FM. Accuracy and repeatability of joint sparsity multi-component estimation in MR Fingerprinting. Neuroimage 2022; 263:119638. [PMID: 36122685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MR fingerprinting (MRF) is a promising method for quantitative characterization of tissues. Often, voxel-wise measurements are made, assuming a single tissue-type per voxel. Alternatively, the Sparsity Promoting Iterative Joint Non-negative least squares Multi-Component MRF method (SPIJN-MRF) facilitates tissue parameter estimation for identified components as well as partial volume segmentations. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the SPIJN-MRF parameter estimations and partial volume segmentations. This was done (1) through numerical simulations based on the BrainWeb phantoms and (2) using in vivo acquired MRF data from 5 subjects that were scanned on the same week-day for 8 consecutive weeks. The partial volume segmentations of the SPIJN-MRF method were compared to those obtained by two conventional methods: SPM12 and FSL. SPIJN-MRF showed higher accuracy in simulations in comparison to FSL- and SPM12-based segmentations: Fuzzy Tanimoto Coefficients (FTC) comparing these segmentations and Brainweb references were higher than 0.95 for SPIJN-MRF in all the tissues and between 0.6 and 0.7 for SPM12 and FSL in white and gray matter and between 0.5 and 0.6 in CSF. For the in vivo MRF data, the estimated relaxation times were in line with literature and minimal variation was observed. Furthermore, the coefficient of variation (CoV) for estimated tissue volumes with SPIJN-MRF were 10.5% for the myelin water, 6.0% for the white matter, 5.6% for the gray matter, 4.6% for the CSF and 1.1% for the total brain volume. CoVs for CSF and total brain volume measured on the scanned data for SPIJN-MRF were in line with those obtained with SPM12 and FSL. The CoVs for white and gray matter volumes were distinctively higher for SPIJN-MRF than those measured with SPM12 and FSL. In conclusion, the use of SPIJN-MRF provides accurate and precise tissue relaxation parameter estimations taking into account intrinsic partial volume effects. It facilitates obtaining tissue fraction maps of prevalent tissues including myelin water which can be relevant for evaluating diseases affecting the white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nunez-Gonzalez
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - M A Nagtegaal
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - D H J Poot
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J de Bresser
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M J P van Osch
- C.J. Gorter Center for MRI, Radiology Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - J A Hernandez-Tamames
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - F M Vos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
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Valošek J, Bednařík P, Keřkovský M, Hluštík P, Bednařík J, Svatkova A. Quantitative MR Markers in Non-Myelopathic Spinal Cord Compression: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2301. [PMID: 35566426 PMCID: PMC9105390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Degenerative spinal cord compression is a frequent pathological condition with increasing prevalence throughout aging. Initial non-myelopathic cervical spinal cord compression (NMDC) might progress over time into potentially irreversible degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). While quantitative MRI (qMRI) techniques demonstrated the ability to depict intrinsic tissue properties, longitudinal in-vivo biomarkers to identify NMDC patients who will eventually develop DCM are still missing. Thus, we aim to review the ability of qMRI techniques (such as diffusion MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), magnetization transfer (MT) imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS)) to serve as prognostic markers in NMDC. While DTI in NMDC patients consistently detected lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity at compressed levels, caused by demyelination and axonal injury, MT and 1H-MRS, along with advanced and tract-specific diffusion MRI, recently revealed microstructural alterations, also rostrally pointing to Wallerian degeneration. Recent studies also disclosed a significant relationship between microstructural damage and functional deficits, as assessed by qMRI and electrophysiology, respectively. Thus, tract-specific qMRI, in combination with electrophysiology, critically extends our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of degenerative spinal cord compression and may provide predictive markers of DCM development for accurate patient management. However, the prognostic value must be validated in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Valošek
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (P.H.)
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bednařík
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Miloš Keřkovský
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (J.B.)
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Hluštík
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.V.); (P.H.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Bednařík
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (M.K.); (J.B.)
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brno, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Svatkova
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark;
- Department of Radiology, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Medicine III, Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Kolind S, Abel S, Taylor C, Tam R, Laule C, Li DK, Garren H, Gaetano L, Bernasconi C, Clayton D, Vavasour I, Traboulsee A. Myelin water imaging in relapsing multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab and interferon beta-1a. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 35:103109. [PMID: 35878575 PMCID: PMC9421448 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Year change in MS myelin water fraction favored ocrelizumab over interferon. Matched healthy controls showed no change in myelin water fraction over 2 years. Ocrelizumab appears to protect against demyelination in MS white matter and lesions.
Background Myelin water imaging is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that quantifies myelin damage and repair in multiple sclerosis (MS) via the myelin water fraction (MWF). Objective In this substudy of a phase 3 therapeutic trial, OPERA II, MWF was assessed in relapsing MS participants assigned to interferon beta-1a (IFNb-1a) or ocrelizumab (OCR) during a two-year double-blind period (DBP) followed by a two-year open label extension (OLE) with ocrelizumab treatment. Methods MWF in normal appearing white matter (NAWM), including both whole brain NAWM and 5 white matter structures, and chronic lesions, was assessed in 29 OCR and 26 IFNb-1a treated participants at weeks 0, 24, 48 and 96 (DBP), and weeks 144 and 192 (OLE), and in white matter for 23 healthy control participants at weeks 0, 48 and 96. Results Linear mixed-effects models of data from baseline to week 96 showed a difference in the change in MWF over time favouring ocrelizumab in all NAWM regions. At week 192, lesion MWF was lower for participants originally randomised to IFNb-1a compared to those originally randomised to OCR. Controls showed no change in MWF over 96 weeks in any region. Conclusion Ocrelizumab appears to protect against demyelination in MS NAWM and chronic lesions and may allow for a more permissive micro environment for remyelination to occur in focal and diffusely damaged tissue.
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Panou Τ, Kavroulakis E, Mastorodemos V, Pouli S, Kalaitzakis G, Spyridaki E, Maris TG, Simos P, Papadaki E. Myelin content changes in Clinically Isolated Syndrome and Relapsing- Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Associations with lesion type and severity of visuomotor impairment. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 54:103108. [PMID: 34198031 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive disturbances occur in patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RR-MS) and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS). The Multi-Echo-Spin-Echo (MESE) T2-weighted sequence quantifies demyelination, the pathological hallmark of MS, but has not been used for the documentation of the potential relationship between anatomically specific demyelinating changes and cognitive impairment in MS. PURPOSE To identify markers of regional demyelination in patients with RR-MS and CIS in relation to clinical variables and severity of cognitive impairment. METHODS AND MATERIALS 37 RR-MS patients, 39 CIS patients and 52 healthy controls (HC) were examined using the MESE sequence. Long T2 and myelin water fraction (MWF) values were measured, serving as indices of intra/extracellular water content and myelin content, respectively, in focal white matter lesions and 12 normal appearing white matter (NAWM) areas of the patients and HC. A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was administered to all patients. RESULTS RR-MS patients showed widespread long T2 increases and MWF reductions in NAWM, compared to the respective values of HC (p < 0.001), which correlated with total lesion volume. Among RR-MS patients illness duration correlated negatively with MWF in right hemisphere frontal and periventricular NAWM areas (and positively with corresponding long T2 values). MWF values were lower in the CIS, as compared to the HC group, in the temporal, frontal and periventricular NAWM areas. Focal demyelinating lesions displayed variable higher T2 and lower MWF values, compared to NAWM, closely corresponding to their intensity on T1 sequences. Reduced MWF values and increased long T2 values in right periventricular NAWM were significantly associated with poor visuomotor performance. CONCLUSION The MESE sequence affords accurate estimation of myelin and water content in NAWM and focal lesions in RR-MS and CIS patients, by means of the MWF and long T2 values, respectively, providing a sensitive index of demyelination associated with visuomotor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Τheodora Panou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Kavroulakis
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vasileios Mastorodemos
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Styliani Pouli
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalaitzakis
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eirini Spyridaki
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Thomas G Maris
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Institute of Computer Science, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Simos
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Institute of Computer Science, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Efrosini Papadaki
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Institute of Computer Science, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece.
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Age- and gender-related differences in brain tissue microstructure revealed by multi-component T 2 relaxometry. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 106:68-79. [PMID: 34252873 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In spite of extensive work, inconsistent findings and lack of specificity in most neuroimaging techniques used to examine age- and gender-related patterns in brain tissue microstructure indicate the need for additional research. Here, we performed the largest Multi-component T2 relaxometry cross-sectional study to date in healthy adults (N = 145, 18-60 years). Five quantitative microstructure parameters derived from various segments of the estimated T2 spectra were evaluated, allowing a more specific interpretation of results in terms of tissue microstructure. We found similar age-related myelin water fraction (MWF) patterns in men and women but we also observed differential male related results including increased MWF content in a few white matter tracts, a faster decline with age of the intra- and extra-cellular water fraction and its T2 relaxation time (i.e. steeper age related negative slopes) and a faster increase in the free and quasi-free water fraction, spanning the whole grey matter. Such results point to a sexual dimorphism in brain tissue microstructure and suggest a lesser vulnerability to age-related changes in women.
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