Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in multiple sclerosis: comparison with contrast-enhanced study

Objective: To assess the utility of cerebral diffusion-weighted MR imaging in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) in comparison with contrast-enh anced T1-weighted imaging. Methods and materials: We reviewed T2-weighted s pin-echo (SE), fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR), contrast-enhanc ed T1-weighted SE and echo-planar diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) obtained in seven patients with definite MS on nine occasions. Results: In total, 9 4 plaques were demonstrated on T2-weighted SE and/or FLAIR images. A total of 13 of these plaques showed enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on DWIs, and five non-enhancing plaques showed hy perintensity on DWIs. Conclusion: Diffusion-weighted imaging, which provide s information based on pathophysiology different from contrast-enhanced ima ging, is a potential supplementary technique for characterizing MS plaques. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.