New MRI Technique Detects Multiple Sclerosis Earlier, Potentially Improving Treatment Approaches

In MS patients, higher levels of myo-inositol (mI) were seen in the NAWM and the team reported an increase in the ml / creatinine ratio. At the same time, lower levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA) have been noted, which is known to affect the integrity of neurons in the brain. These changes appeared to correlate with the patient’s disability.

“Certain neurochemical changes, particularly those associated with neuroinflammation, occur early in the course of the disease and may not only be correlated with disability, but also be predictive of subsequent progression such as the formation of multiple sclerosis lesions. “, lead author Eva Heckova, PhD, High Field MR Center, Vienna Medical University, spoke about the new technique.

Typically, it’s the focal white matter lesions on brain imaging that doctors often take as an indication of MS, but these don’t fully reflect the severity of the disease. This new imaging technique, however, gives clinicians a deeper understanding of the pathological manifestations of MS. This could allow them to detect the disease earlier and refine their treatment plans, the authors suggested.

“We will continue our ongoing longitudinal clinical study to validate its ability to detect clinically important pathological changes in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis and to assess the effectiveness of different treatment regimens earlier than other currently available clinical tools.” , Heckova said.

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