The future role of MRI in confirming and monitoring multiple sclerosis diagnosis without intravenous administration of GBCAs.

Motivation: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS). MS diagnosis needs the objective assessment of white matter (WM) lesions as they disseminate both in space and time. Goal(s): More refined MRI sequences have vastly improved the characterisation of brain volume and focal white matter lesions. Approach: In this study, MRI scans were obtained of 25 adult females diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS and 25 control subjects without MS. Results: Data collected shows a clear distinction between the lesion volumes from the two groups and enhances the validity of MRI and its potential clinical applicability. Impact: The high costs and chance of allergic reactions to GBCAs may impose limitations within the patient’s treatment plan. Our study reaffirms the value of MRI without the use of GBCAs and demonstrates its potential for long-term monitoring of MS.