MRI in longitudinal observation on iron deposition in precentral gray matter in patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis

Objective: To observe the dynamic change of iron deposition in the precentral gray matter and its correlation with the volume of precentral gray matter and related clinical parameters in patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) by using three demensional (3D) enhanced T2* weighted angiography (ESWAN). Methods: Thirty patients with RRMS were recruited and underwent conventional MR, ESWAN and 3D T1W scanning twice with the interval of one year. The mean phase values (MPVs) representing iron deposition and the volumes of precentral gray matter were measured. The correlation between iron deposition in the precentral gray matter with the volume of precentral gray matter, expended disability status scale (EDSS) sores and duration of disease were analyzed. Results: In the two measurements, the precentral gray matter MPVs were (2033.13±14.39) and (2022.65±17.94), respectively (P<0.05), and the volumes of the precentral gray matter were (2307.82±109.24) and (2216.82±118.70) mm3, respectively (P>0.05). There was significant positive correlation between MPVs and the volume of precentral gray matter in both two measurements (rs=0.764, 0.592, both P<0.05), as well as between the change of MPVs and of precentral gray matter volume (rs=0582, P<0.05). The change of EDSS had significant negative correlation with the change of precentral gray matter volume(rs=-0.587, P<0.05), but not with the change of MPVs (P>0.05). There was negative correlation between duration of disease and MPVs (rs=-0.399, P<0.05), as well as between the recurrence rate and the change of MPVs (rs=-0.367, P<0.05). Conclusion: The iron deposition in precentral gray matter increases with the disease progression in patients with RRMS. Copyright © 2013 by the Press of Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology.