Brain Iron Deposition in Multiple Sclerosis

Using a novel MRI technique, investigators provide additional evidence of excessive iron deposition in cerebral gray and white matter in patients with MS.

Several studies have suggested that in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the cerebral gray and white matter has excessive iron deposition. To confirm these observations, investigators employed a novel iron-sensitive phase-imaging MRI technique on a 7T platform in 19 patients with MS and 13 normal controls.

Compared with the controls, the local field was increased in the basal ganglia of the patients, suggesting excessive iron deposition. This increase correlated strongly with disease duration. Phase imaging also suggested iron deposition in nearly 75% of lesions. The pattern of MRI changes in a subset of lesions indicated a pattern of iron-rich macrophages at the periphery of lesions. The authors conclude that this new technique might b…

Reviewing Author

Rohit Bakshi, MD, FAAN