Comparison of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A physiological and quantitative MRI study

Motivation: Accurate differentiation of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is essential for treatment decisions and thus affects prognosis. Goal(s): This study aimed to determine the differences of MS and NMOSD using physiological and quantitative MRI. Approach: blood brain barrier permeability to water (PS) and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) of all subjects were measured by physiological and quantitative MRI. Results: The results showed that compared with healthy subjects, water PS was significantly higher in NMOSD patients, while OEF was significantly lower in MS patients. In addition, OEF was also significantly different between NMOSD patients and MS patients. Impact: Our study demonstrated that BBB permeability to water and whole-brain oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) might be potential imaging indicators for NMOSD and MS, respectively. In addition, OEF is the key to distinguish MS from NMOSD.