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DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-939325
Gadofluorine M-enhanced MR neurography visualizes focal nerve lesions in experimental demyelination
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become increasingly important in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. Recently, we have shown that the novel micellar magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent gadofluorine M (Gf) visualizes Wallerian degeneration after crush injury and inflammatory nerve lesions in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) in rats. In comparison to complete axonal lesions, in which Gf enhancement of the lesion site and the distal aspect of the nerve is seen, Gf enhancement after experimental demyelination was studied in rats. Focal demyelination was induced by injection of lysolecithin into the proximal sciatic nerve causing focal demyelination without significant axonal damage in most animals. On MRI, the sciatic nerve showed a local Gf enhancement at the lesion site. Distally, no Gf enhancement was seen. Histologically, fluorescence labelled-Gf was demonstrated in acute demyelinating lesions. With remyelination, Gf enhancement regressed on MRI and histology. In conclusion, Gf-enhanced MRI is able to visualize focal demyelinating lesion of the peripheral nerve and to distinguish these from axonal damage.