ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the value of inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) imaging in diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Totally 18 patients with clinical diagnosed MS and 16 healthy volunteers were enrolled. ihMT imagings were obtained, while magnetic transfer ratio (MTR), quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) value, inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio (ihMTR) and inhomogeneous quantitative magnetization transfer (qihMT) value of MS lesions and normal white mater of volunteers were measured, respectively. ihMT metrics were compared between MS patients and volunteers. Spearman correlation was conducted to analyze the correlation of MTR, qMT, ihMTR and qihMT values and clinical expanded disability status scale (EDSS) for MS patients. Results: MTR, qMT, ihMTR and qihMT of MS patients were significantly lower than those of volunteers (all P<0.001). There was moderate negative correlation between MTR, qMT and EDSS (r=-0.440, -0.572, P=0.004, 0.002), also significant negative correlation between ihMTR, qihMT and EDSS (r=-0.704, -0.739, both P<0.001). Conclusion: ihMTR and qihMT values are sensitive to detect the changes of myelin content and have good correlation with clinical symptoms, therefore having good prospects for clinical application.