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Domenico M. Mezzapesa, MD; Maria A. Rocca, MD; Andrea Falini, MD; Maria E. Rodegher, MD; Angelo Ghezzi, MD; Giancarlo Comi, MD; Massimo Filippi, MD

Arch Neurol. 2004;61:366-368.

Background  Early-onset multiple sclerosis (MS) typically has a more favorable course than adult-onset disease.

Objective  To assess the extent of microscopic tissue damage in the brain and cervical cord of patients with early-onset MS.

Design  During a single magnetic resonance imaging session, images of the brain and spinal cord were obtained using diffusion tensor and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging.

Patients  We studied 13 patients with early-onset MS and 10 healthy volunteers.

Results  Compared with control subjects, patients with early-onset MS showed only a slight increase of the average mean diffusivity of the normal-appearing brain tissue.

Conclusion  The relatively modest central nervous system damage detected in these patients might explain why early-onset MS typically has a more favorable clinical course than adult-onset MS.

From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (Drs Mezzapesa, Rocca, and Filippi) and the Departments of Neurology (Drs Mezzapesa, Rocca, Rodegher, Comi, and Filippi) and Neuroradiology (Dr Falini), Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; and the Multiple Sclerosis Center, Ospedale di Gallarate, Gallarate, Italy (Dr Ghezzi). The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.

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