Applications of MR fiber tractography imaging in multiple scleros

Aim of the studyTo evaluate role of fiber tractography in the assessment of white matter (WM) fiber tract affection in patient with multiple sclerosis (MS).Patient and methodsUsing fiber tractography, WM tract fibers were evaluated in 12 patients with MS and 8 healthy controls in correlation with motor disability in variants of MS, ages range 35–50 years, mean 40.9 ± 5.2. MRI imaging was obtained by using 1.5 T whole-body scanner. Fiber tractography was acquired after routine sequences. Data postprocessing and fiber tracking method were applied including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) for three regions.ResultsBilateral WM tract fiber affection was detected in 7 patients, however only 3 showed left sided lesion and 2 patients on right side. WM tract fiber was decreased in all patients; FA and MD for patients were significantly lowered compared to control on all regions (mean values of control FA = 1.07 ± 0.34, MD = 1.27 ± 0.36, with P < 0.05 for all differences).ConclusionFiber tractography is a promising non-invasive method for assessing the WM tract affection in patients with MS. It provides an accurate characterization of tissue injury including demyelination and axonal injury.