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 relaxation time measurements in the normal and the developing brain, in experimental diseases in animals, and in patients with multiple sclerosis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Relaxation time measurements provide insight into development of multiple sclerosis plaques, especially the occurrence of oedema, demyelination, and gliosis. There is also evidence that normal appearing white matter in patients with multiple sclerosis is affected. What is now needed are fast and accurate relaxation time measurement procedures, which cover the whole brain. Relaxation time measurements could then provide an important tool for studying the pathogenesis of demyelinating diseases and thus be useful in follow up studies.