NUCLEAR-MAGNETIC-RESONANCE RELAXATION IN MULTIPLE-SCLEROSIS

Objectives--The theory of relaxation processes and their measurements are described. An overview is presented of the literature on relaxatio n time measurements in the normal and the developing brain, in experim ental diseases in animals, and in patients with multiple sclerosis. Re sults and conclusion--Relaxation time measurements provide insight int o development of multiple sclerosis plaques, especially the occurrence of oedema, demyelination, and gliosis. There is also evidence that no rmal appearing white matter in patients with multiple sclerosis is aff ected. What is now needed are fast and accurate relaxation time measur ement procedures, which cover the whole brain. Relaxation time measure ments could then provide an important tool for studying the pathogenes is of demyelinating diseases and thus be useful in follow up studies.