Magnetic resonance imaging techniques to monitor short term evolution of multiple sclerosis and to use in preliminary trials.

Abstract

Short term serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have provided major new insights into the natural history of multiple sclerosis, and are providing an excellent tool for preliminary assessment of therapeutic effect. In early relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, monthly T2-weighted and gadolinium enhanced scanning discloses, on average, about 10 new or enhancing lesions for each clinical relapse. This approach relies largely on the detection of acute inflammatory MRI activity with blood-brain barrier break down--as the importance of this for long term disability remains uncertain, these methods for the present should not be used as the definitive assessment of treatment outcome.