Neuroimaging clinics of North America
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewNetwork Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, commonly featuring disability and cognitive impairment. The pathologic hallmark of MS lies in demyelination and hence impaired structural and functional neuronal pathways. Recent studies have shown that MS shows extensive structural disconnection of key network hub areas like the thalamus, combined with a functional network reorganization that can mostly be related to poorer clinical functioning. As MS can, therefore, be considered a network disorder, this review outlines recent innovations in the field of network neuroscience in MS.
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewAdvanced Brain Imaging in Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases.
In recent decades, advances in neuroimaging have profoundly transformed our comprehension of central nervous system demyelinating diseases. Remarkable technological progress has enabled the integration of cutting-edge acquisition and postprocessing techniques, proving instrumental in characterizing subtle focal changes, diffuse microstructural alterations, and macroscopic pathologic processes. This review delves into state-of-the-art modalities applied to multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Furthermore, it explores how this dynamic landscape holds significant promise for the development of effective and personalized clinical management strategies, encompassing support for differential diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring treatment response, and patient stratification.
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewTreatment Monitoring in Multiple Sclerosis - Efficacy and Safety.
Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive method for detecting inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis, particularly in the brain where it reveals subclinical inflammation. Established MRI markers include contrast-enhancing lesions and active T2 lesions. ⋯ Volumetric and quantitative MRI techniques are currently limited to clinical trials and are not yet recommended for routine clinical use. Additionally, MRI is crucial for detecting complications from disease-modifying treatments and for implementing MRI-based pharmacovigilance strategies, such as in patients treated with natalizumab.
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewRoutine MR Imaging Protocol and Standardization in Central Nervous System Demyelinating Diseases.
Standardized MR imaging protocols are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the appropriate use of MR imaging in routine clinical practice. Advances in using MR imaging to establish an earlier diagnosis of MS, safety concerns regarding intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents, and the value of spinal cord MR imaging for diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring purposes suggest a changing role of MR imaging for the management and care of MS patients. The MR imaging protocol emphasizes 3 dimensional acquisitions for optimal comparison over time.
-
Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2024
ReviewSpinal Cord Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
Spinal cord MRI plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders. The ANATOMICAL, pathologic, imaging and prognostic consideriations for the spinal cord for MS and the most important other demyelinating disorders, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease, are reviewed. Finally, differential diagnostic considerations of spinal cord MRI in MS and related disorders are discussed.