OAK BROOK, Ill. (January 4, 2022) – A new neuroimaging technique can detect biochemical changes in the brains of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) early in the course of the disease, paving the way for faster treatment evaluation and other potential benefits, according to a study published in the journal Radiology.
MS is a disease of the central nervous system that can cause fatigue, pain and impaired coordination. It affects nearly 3 million people worldwide, and incidence is rising. There is no cure, but physical therapy and medications can slow its progression.
Lesions to the brain's signal-carrying white matter are the most readily detectable manifestation of MS on MRI. The lesions, linked to the loss of the protective coating around white matter fibers called myelin, represent only macroscopic tissue damage. A means to find changes in the brain at an earlier microscopic or biochemical stage would be beneficial.
Ad Statistics
Times Displayed: 348574
Times Visited: 21068 MIT labs, experts in Multi-Vendor component level repair of: MRI Coils, RF amplifiers, Gradient Amplifiers Contrast Media Injectors. System repairs, sub-assembly repairs, component level repairs, refurbish/calibrate. info@mitlabsusa.com/+1 (305) 470-8013
An advanced imaging technique known as proton MR spectroscopy is a promising tool in this effort. MR spectroscopy of the brain can detect several metabolites, or substances produced during metabolism, that have potential relevance for MS.
Researchers in Austria used the technique to compare biochemical changes in the brains of 65 people with MS with those of 20 healthy controls. They deployed an MRI scanner with a powerful 7-Tesla (T) magnet.
The results showed reduced levels of an amino acid derivative called N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in patients with MS. Lower levels of NAA have been linked to impaired integrity of neurons in the brain. People with MS also showed elevated levels of myo-inositol (MI), a compound involved in cell signaling. Higher levels are indicative of substantial inflammatory disease activity.
The metabolic alterations in normal-appearing white matter and cortical gray matter were associated with disability.
Researchers said the results show a potential role for 7T MR spectroscopic imaging in visualizing MS pathology beyond demyelinating lesions.
"MRI of neurochemicals enables the detection of changes in the brain of multiple sclerosis patients in regions that appear inconspicuous on conventional MRI," said study senior author Wolfgang Bogner, Ph.D., from the High Field MR Centre at the Medical University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria. "The visualized changes in neurochemistry of normal-appearing brain tissue correlated with the patients' disabilities."
The changes detected by the new imaging technique have significant clinical applications, according to study lead author Eva Heckova, Ph.D., from the High Field MR Centre at the Medical University of Vienna.
