Ultra-high-field Brain MRI in Multiple Sclerosis

The MRI scan is one of the most important tools for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) and for monitoring disease progression and medication effects. Increasingly strong MRI magnets (higher field strength) enable us to see abnormalities in the brain in greater detail. On the other hand, it poses challenges because these higher field strength MRIs are more sensitive to disturbances, for example due to motion, including physiological motion such as breathing and swallowing. In current practice, field strengths of up to 3 Tesla are common. The aim of this study is to compare scanning at field strengths of 3 Tesla in 10 MS patients at two different moments (baseline and 6 months) with scanning at field strengths that are higher, namely 7 and 9.4 Tesla, in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages. With the further development of this technique, we may be able to make a better diagnosis in the future and detect subtle changes in the course of the disease more quickly in order to optimize treatments.

Inclusion Criteria:Relapsing remitting MS patients (according to the 2017 McDonald criteria) between age 18-65 years, who had a new brain MRI lesion in the past 15 months. Choosing an upper limit of 65 years, limits the age-related vascular white matter lesion burden on the brain scans.Exclusion Criteria:Patients who are unable to undergo MRI investigations due to (i) non-compatible implanted material/devices or (ii) due to not being able to lie flat long enough because of another medical condition, will be excluded.