RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Serial Analysis of Magnetization-Transfer Histograms and Expanded Disability Status Scale Scores in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
JF American Journal of Neuroradiology
JO Am. J. Neuroradiol.
FD American Society of Neuroradiology
SP 1946
OP 1950
VO 20
IS 10
A1 Patel, Upen J.
A1 Grossman, Robert I.
A1 Phillips, Michael D.
A1 Udupa, Jayaram K.
A1 McGowan, Joseph C.
A1 Miki, Yukio
A1 Wei, Luogang
A1 Polansky, Marcia
A1 Buchem, Mark A. van
A1 Kolson, Dennis
YR 1999
UL http://www.ajnr.org/content/20/10/1946.abstract
AB BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetization transfer ratio histogram peak height (MTR-HPH) has been shown to correlate with macroscopic and microscopic brain disease in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied the changes in MTR-HPH and in Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores over time in a group of patients with relapsing-remitting MS.METHODS: Twenty adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS (four men and 16 women) were followed up for a period of 334 to 1313 days. In all, 86 MR imaging studies of the brain were obtained, and MTR-HPH was calculated for each MR examination by using a semiautomated technique. Changes in MTR-HPH were compared between patients over the study's duration. A neurologist specialized in the care of MS patients assessed the EDSS score for each patient as a measure of clinical disability.RESULTS: Serial MR data showed a subtle but significant decline in MTR-HPH with time. No significant changes in EDSS scores were noted over the same period.CONCLUSION: Patients with relapsing-remitting MS have a significant progressive decline in normalized MTR-HPH, which is independent of EDSS score. MTR-HPH measurements can be used to monitor subclinical disease in patients with relapsing-remitting MS over a short time frame of 1 to 4 years. This parameter might be applied in future therapeutic trials to assess its usefulness.