Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2017
ReviewBrain Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Relevance and Technical Aspects.
There is evidence of a neurodegenerative process running in parallel with or as a consequence of the inflammatory phenomenon in multiple sclerosis (MS). MR imaging has been central in the generation of such knowledge and has played a pivotal role in investigating the neurodegenerative process. However, there is insufficient evidence supporting MR imaging-measured brain atrophy as a biomarker of the neurodegenerative component of MS in the daily care of patients with MS. This article discusses the prognostic value of brain volume measurements and their potential role in monitoring treatment response in patients with MS.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2017
ReviewMultiple Sclerosis: Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects young people. MS develops in genetically susceptible individuals exposed to different unknown triggering factors. Different phenotypes are described. ⋯ An increasing number of disease-modifying treatments has emerged. Although encouraging, the number of drugs challenges the neurologist because each treatment has its own risk-benefit profile. Patients should be involved in the decision-making process to ensure good treatment and safety monitoring adherence.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2017
ReviewBrain and Spinal Cord MR Imaging Features in Multiple Sclerosis and Variants.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease, with the first symptoms mostly appearing early in life. In addition to the clinical and laboratory findings, imaging has become increasingly important for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. Because of its importance for these purposes, a high level of knowledge of imaging MS pathology and a standardization of the imaging acquisition, interpretation, and reporting is necessary. Here we will describe the MR imaging characteristics of MS pathology, the current imaging protocols, diagnostic criteria, and the differential diagnosis of MS.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · May 2017
ReviewInsights from Ultrahigh Field Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis.
Ultrahigh-field (≥7 T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is being used at many leading academic medical centers to study neurologic disorders. The improved spatial resolution and anatomic detail are due to the increase in signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratio at higher magnetic field strengths. Ultrahigh-field MR imaging improves multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion detection, with particular sensitivity to detect cortical lesions. The increase in magnetic susceptibility effects inherent to ultrahigh field can be used to detect pathologic features of MS lesions, including a central vein, potentially useful for diagnostic considerations, and heterogeneity among MS lesions, potentially useful in determining lesion outcomes.