A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Investigation of White Matter in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Patients

• Main Author: Bethune, Allison J.
• Other Authors: Banwell, Brenda
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Multiple Sclerosis; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Pediatric; MRI; 0317
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/17494

Background: To explore normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). DTI study provides measures of WM integrity in adult MS patients. Pediatric MS patients provide a uniquely early window for exploring pathological components of myelin disruption. Methods: DTI data were obtained for 23 pediatric MS patients and 17 healthy children. Images were acquired using GE LX1.5T scanner (DTI parameters: 25 directions, 5mm slice thickness, b=1000s/mm2). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC) were analyzed in lesions and NAWM throughout corpus callosum (CC) and hemispheres. Results: Altered NAWM integrity in MS patients relative to controls is demonstrated by: reduced FA values (p<0.0001) and elevated ADC values (p<0.05) throughout CC and hemispheres. Conclusions: DTI measures show widespread disruption of WM integrity in children with MS extending beyond visible lesions. These findings implicate diffuse and potentially very early WM degeneration in MS pathobiology.