Optimal b-value in diffusion weighted imaging for detection active multiple sclerosis plaque, using contrast enhancement imaging

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acute and autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and destruction of myelin in the central nervous system. In this study, the diffusion sequence with different values of b-value was used to determine its optimal value for detection of active plaques. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 90 patients with MS basede on Mc Donald's criteria, referred to the Shafa Imaging Center, Isfahan, Iran. The locations of the plaques and their number were recorded by the radiologist in the relevant checklist. Imaging was performed using the Siemens Avanto system, 1.5 Tesla, with of a standard head coil. Findings: Diffusion weighted images (DWI) with low b-values had a direct and significant relationship with contrast enhancement (CE) method in determining active plaques (P = 0.005). Images with a b-value of 500 had the highest sensitivity (75) and sensitivity (87.3) in detecting active plaques. Conclusion: The results showed that the DWI with the 1.5 Tesla had the ability to distinguish active and inactive plates, because DWI images with low b-values had a direct and significant relationship with CE method in determining active plaques. © 2021 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.