Abstract Details

Title Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Spinal Cord in Multiple Sclerosis at 7T

Topic MS and Related Diseases

Presentation(s) S21 - (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 007

Objective

Background Neurological dysfunction in progressive MS is attributable almost exclusively to dysfunction of the cervical spinal cord (CSC) and upper thoracic spinal cord and halting the progression of MS therefore requires improved characterization of the changes that occur in the spinal cord. Due to resolution limitations, CSC MRI has struggled to characterize white (WM) and gray matter (GM) lesions. Hypothesizing that 7T MRI can provide these answers, we developed high resolution CSC MRI at 7T and for the first time, offer implementation in patients with MS.

Design/Methods Seven patients with MS and 3 HCs underwent 7T CSC MRI using a novel 16 channel receive coil and optimized T1 and T2* gradient echo MRI. The total scan time was less than 15 minutes.

Results We obtained high resolution (250 [micro]m) anatomical images of the CSC (far exceeding possibilities at 3T). High contrast between grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and lesions was appreciated in all subjects. Additionally, both GM and WM lesions were observable and compared to 3T, T2* sequences showed more lesions at 7T. CSC area was measured at the C3 level and showed that the average area was 8% smaller in MS patients (n.s.) compared to HCs.

Conclusions Each increase in field strength has provided an elevated view of lesion detection in the brain, and we show for the first time, that 7T translates into a greater depiction of spinal cord damage in patients with MS. We hypothesize that the increase in spatial resolution, greater sensitivity for susceptibility effects, and optimized 7T MRI will provide greater insight into cord lesions and cord GM and WM atrophy, and provide greater correlations with clinical disability.

Authors/Disclosures
Siddharama Pawate, MD (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) PRESENTER	The institution of Dr. Pawate has received research support from Genentech. The institution of Dr. Pawate has received research support from Biogen.
Adrienne N. Dula, PhD (Dell Medical School)	No disclosure on file
Subramaniam Sriram, MD (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)	Dr. Sriram has nothing to disclose.
Richard D. Dortch, PhD	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Seth A. Smith, PhD (Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science)	Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose.

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