MRI Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about MRI, including details on magnetic resonance imaging, neuroimaging, brain tumors.

Grading cervical cord damage in neuromyelitis optica and MS by diffusion tensor MRI.

Benedetti B, Valsasina P, Judica E, Martinelli V, Ghezzi A, Capra R, Bergamaschi R, Comi G, Filippi M

Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.

The authors assessed the ability of diffusion tensor MRI to grade cervical cord damage in 10 patients with neuromyelitis optica, 10 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 10 healthy controls. The three groups differed in terms of average mean diffusivity (p = 0.008) and average fractional anisotropy (p = 0.04). There was a correlation between the Expanded Standard Disability Status Scale score and cord average mean diffusivity (r = 0.52, p = 0.02).

Published 11 July 2006 in Neurology, 67(1): 161-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 MRI Research Today. All Rights Reserved.