Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can quantify tissue integrity in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). NAWM abnormalities present at the earliest time point implicate neurodegeneration operative from the outset of multiple sclerosis (MS).
DTI scans were obtained at first attacks from 6 children later diagnosed with MS and 6 children with monophasic demyelination, and from 6 controls, matched for age. DTI scans were also obtained from 22 children with established MS with clinical onset before age 12 years and compared to age-matched controls. Atlas- and tractography-based image processing methods were utilized.
DTI metrics distinguished MS patients from patients with monophasic demyelination and from controls at the first attack. Differences in NAWM between children with established early-onset MS and controls were only notable when DTI was obtained in adolescence.
DTI provides valuable insights into NAWM in children with MS, although in the youngest patients such changes may require time to develop.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/33539 |
| Date | 27 November 2012 |
| Creators | Sonkin, Marina |
| Contributors | Banwell, Brenda |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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