Use of MRI Technology in Determining Prognosis and Tracking Therapeutic Benefit in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Over the past decade, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been increasingly used as a tool to facilitate the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Because of the relative insensitivity of commonly used clinical assessment measures, however, clinicians are exploring ways in which MRI can be used to determine a patient's prognosis and track progression of the disease. This article discusses the MRI findings that may be useful in evaluating disease progression in MS; results of recent clinical trials of MS treatment agents that have employed MRI; and potential applications for MRI in clinical practice.