Evaluation of multiple sclerosis disease activity by diffusion-weighted MR imaging - Preliminary comparison with contrast-enhanced MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of cerebral diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison with contrast-enhanced TI-weighted imaging. We reviewed T2-weighted spin-echo (SE), fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE and echo-planar diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) obtained in ten patients with definite MS on 12 occasions. In total, 83 plaques were demonstrated on T2-weighted SE and/or FLAIR images. Thirteen of these plaques showed enhancement on contrast-enhanced TI-weighted images and hyperintensity on DWIs. Five non-enhancing plaques showed hyperintensity on DWIs. Diffusion-weighted imaging, which provides information based on pathophysiology different from contrast-enhanced imaging is a potential supplementary technique Sor characterizing MS plaques.