Longitudinal changes in diffusion tensor-based quantitative MRI in multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To estimate longitudinal changes in a quantitative whole-brain and tract-specific MRI study of multiple sclerosis (MS), with the intent of assessing the feasibility of this approach in clinical trials.

Methods

A total of 78 individuals with MS underwent a median of 3 scans over 2 years. Diffusion tensor imaging indices, magnetization transfer ratio, and T2 relaxation time were analyzed in supratentorial brain, corpus callosum, optic radiations, and corticospinal tracts by atlas-based tractography. Linear mixed-effect models estimated annualized rates of change for each index, and sample size estimates for potential clinical trials were determined.

Results

There were significant changes over time in fractional anisotropy and perpendicular diffusivity in the s

SUBMITTER: Harrison DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3030233 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature