New rapid, accurate T₂ quantification detects pathology in normal-appearing brain regions of relapsing-remitting MS patients.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Quantitative T₂ mapping may provide an objective biomarker for occult nervous tissue pathology in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). We applied a novel echo modulation curve (EMC) algorithm to identify T₂ changes in normal-appearing brain regions of subjects with RRMS (N = 27) compared to age-matched controls (N = 38).

Methods

The EMC algorithm uses Bloch simulations to model T₂ decay curves in multi-spin-echo MRI sequences, independent of scanner, and scan-settings. T₂ values were extracted from normal-appearing white and gray matter brain regions using both expert manual regions-of-interest and user-independent FreeSurfer segmentation.

Results

Compared to conventional exponential T₂ mode

SUBMITTER: Shepherd TM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5318543 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature