Contributions
Abstract: EP1459
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Imaging
Background: Grey matter (GM) cortical lesions (CL) have been associated with physical disability, cognitive impairment and fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). One prior study has assessed perfusion in CLs, using dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) at 1.5T, and suggested CLs possess reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) compared to normal appearing GM (NAGM). However, recent studies have suggested that the contrast agents used in such techniques accumulates in neuronal tissue and the clinical significance of this is currently unknown.
Goals: This study aims to assess the sensitivity of Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) to detect the reported CBF reduction in CLs. If proven, this method could provide an alternative to contrast enhanced techniques, particularly in the light of current safety concerns.
Data Acquisition: 7 patients with MS (8 male, 4 female, 48±7.4 years) were scanned on a 7T Philips Achieva system with a 32-channel receive coil. Data were acquired using Flow Alternating Inversion Recovery (FAIR) ASL using a Balanced Fast Field Echo readout to achieve high spatial resolution data (1.2Î1.2Î3 mm3) with good signal-to-noise (SNR) and minimal distortions. Whole-brain Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery (PSIR) data were collected in order to identify CLs.
Data Analysis: CLs were identified on the PSIR by experienced clinicians and CL binary masks were formed. GM masks were formed using the PSIR data and co-registered to the ASL. The ASL signal was assessed in the CL and within a 12-mm radius of surrounding normal appearing GM.
Results: In total, 15 CLs were identified across 7 MS patients. Four lesions were discarded due to small CL volume (< 16mm3) and two lesions were discarded due to signal contamination from a large vessel. A significant reduction in ASL perfusion signal change of 38±8% was found in CL compared to local GM.
Discussion: Here, we demonstrate a reduced ASL perfusion signal in CLs. In future work we will apply this high spatial resolution ASL technique in a longitudinal study to evaluate perfusion changes in new and chronic CLs, a study for which repeated use of contrast agents would be cautioned against.
Disclosure: Richard J Dury: nothing to declare.
Molly G Bright: nothing to declare.
Yasser Falah: nothing to declare.
Penny A Gowland: nothing to declare.
Nikos Evangelou: nothing to declare.
Susan T Francis: nothing to declare.
Abstract: EP1459
Type: ePoster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - Imaging
Background: Grey matter (GM) cortical lesions (CL) have been associated with physical disability, cognitive impairment and fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). One prior study has assessed perfusion in CLs, using dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) at 1.5T, and suggested CLs possess reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) compared to normal appearing GM (NAGM). However, recent studies have suggested that the contrast agents used in such techniques accumulates in neuronal tissue and the clinical significance of this is currently unknown.
Goals: This study aims to assess the sensitivity of Arterial Spin Labelling (ASL) to detect the reported CBF reduction in CLs. If proven, this method could provide an alternative to contrast enhanced techniques, particularly in the light of current safety concerns.
Data Acquisition: 7 patients with MS (8 male, 4 female, 48±7.4 years) were scanned on a 7T Philips Achieva system with a 32-channel receive coil. Data were acquired using Flow Alternating Inversion Recovery (FAIR) ASL using a Balanced Fast Field Echo readout to achieve high spatial resolution data (1.2Î1.2Î3 mm3) with good signal-to-noise (SNR) and minimal distortions. Whole-brain Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery (PSIR) data were collected in order to identify CLs.
Data Analysis: CLs were identified on the PSIR by experienced clinicians and CL binary masks were formed. GM masks were formed using the PSIR data and co-registered to the ASL. The ASL signal was assessed in the CL and within a 12-mm radius of surrounding normal appearing GM.
Results: In total, 15 CLs were identified across 7 MS patients. Four lesions were discarded due to small CL volume (< 16mm3) and two lesions were discarded due to signal contamination from a large vessel. A significant reduction in ASL perfusion signal change of 38±8% was found in CL compared to local GM.
Discussion: Here, we demonstrate a reduced ASL perfusion signal in CLs. In future work we will apply this high spatial resolution ASL technique in a longitudinal study to evaluate perfusion changes in new and chronic CLs, a study for which repeated use of contrast agents would be cautioned against.
Disclosure: Richard J Dury: nothing to declare.
Molly G Bright: nothing to declare.
Yasser Falah: nothing to declare.
Penny A Gowland: nothing to declare.
Nikos Evangelou: nothing to declare.
Susan T Francis: nothing to declare.