Diffusion tensor MRI alterations of subcortical deep gray matter in clinically isolated syndrome

Abstract Background Abnormalities in the gray matter (GM) of the brain parenchyma are present early in the course of multiple sclerosis. Objectives To quantify white matter (WM) and subcortical deep GM (SDGM) alterations in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Materials and methods 45 CIS patients and 52 healthy controls (HC) were scanned on 3 T MRI. Mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated, in addition to the estimation of structural brain volume and lesion measurements. Results FA was significantly lower in CIS patients in the whole brain (p  Conclusions Diffuse DTI alterations of GM structures, not associated with lesion formation, are present in CIS patients.