Meeting Banner
Abstract #1084

Distinguishing Neuromyelitis Optica from Multiple Sclerosis with Myelin Water Imaging

Margarita Gorodezky1, Lucy A.E. Matthews2, Anthony L. Traboulsee3, Jacqueline Palace2, Shannon H. Kolind3

1Goethe Universitaet Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; 2Oxford University and Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom; 3University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that resembles multiple sclerosis (MS) but has distinct pathological features and is likely a separate disorder. The goal of this work was to use myelin water imaging to further understanding of pathological differences between these diseases, and aid in differentiating between them clinically. MS patients had a significantly greater volume of normal-appearing tissue with significantly reduced myelin water. The volume of significantly reduced myelin water correlated significantly with disability in MS but not NMO. Thus myelin water imaging could be a valuable tool for this difficult differential diagnosis.

Abstract PDF

Keywords

affords aiding aims aligned allows anatomical appearing applied assist atlas background brain central clinical clinically comparing component considered consistent content control controls correlated correspondence created deep demonstrative derive deviation differentiating differentiation difficult diffuse disability disease diseases disorder distinct distinguishing distribution diverge drastically driven duration equilibrium excluded expanded features fifteen finally fraction furthering greater healthy hospitals illustrates importance included individual individuals interrogation isotropic kingdom lacking lesion likely linearly maps margarita marker masking matched measure mechanisms median minutes months morrow multicomponent nervous normative novel observation opportunity optimal oxford palace participant particularly pathological pathology patient patients people population processing prognosis pulse reduced registration relapsing related relationship remitting representing resembles resolution restrict scale scanner sclerosis score separate setting significantly similarities since space status strong subjects supports system template throughout tissue treatment trust understanding volume water white whole wise years