Journal article
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis patients
Journal of neurovirology, Vol.12(1 supplement), pp.54-54
01 May 2006
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a semi-automated method to investigate the fractional anisotropy (FA) changes in multiple sclerosis patients using voxelwise analysis and comparison to a normalized FA atlas using a standard neuroanatomical space. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was performed on 10 normal controls and 6 patients with MS lesions. We acquired DTI by collecting diffusion-weighted images using a spin-echo EPI sequence. Diffusion gradients were applied in six non-collinear directions with a b value of 1000 sec/mm2. Twenty 6mm axial slices covering the entire brain were imaged using a 1.5 T scanner (TR = 6000ms, TE = 100 ms, FOV = 240 mm, 98 x 128 & 4 acquisitions). FA images were then created using an in-house modified diffusion tensor toolbox of SPM99. The FA maps were then spatially normalized into the space of the SPM99 EPI template and smoothed. A normal FA atlas was created using the 10 normal subjects. Statistical maps were generated by voxelwise comparison of the FA map of each of the patients with the normal FA atlas in a two sample t-test (uncorrected p value of 0.05). The statistical maps showing regions of significant FA differences were compared with routine T1, T2, and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. There were numerous regions in the MS patient DTI images, with statistically significant (p = 0.05) FA changes. Also, there are several regions of FA changes throughout the brain in the normal appearing white matter of these pateints (NAWM) that were not visible on the routine MR images. Similar findings were seen on rest of the five MS cases analyzed as well. In two cases however there were lesions visible on MRI that did not show significant FA changes. Our results show that this semi-automated method significanlty improved the speed, accuracy and reproducibility of FA map analysis in MS patients. Also, this method demonstrated our ability to globally visualize FA changes as well as characterize quantitatively the extent of MS lesions and abnormal FA in NAWM. Such analysis of FA data using a standard anatomical atlas will greatly help in longitudinal follow-up of these MS patients. These preliminary results are very encouraging and warrant further investigation.
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Details
- Title
- Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis patients
- Creators
- Feroze B Mohamed - Drexel UniversityScott H Faro - Drexel UniversitySunil Patel - Drexel UniversityC GonzalezB HumR Schwartzman - Drexel University, Neurology
- Publication Details
- Journal of neurovirology, Vol.12(1 supplement), pp.54-54
- Conference
- 7th International Symposium on NeuroVirology, 7th (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 31 May 2006–03 Jun 2006)
- Number of pages
- 1
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurology
- Other Identifier
- 991019170370704721