White matter lesion central veins can distinguish MS from ischaemic lesions, irrespective of 3T MRI T2* sequence (P6.112)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visibility of white matter (WM) lesion central veins when the same patient with MS or ischaemic lesions is scanned on two different 3T MRI scanners using different T2* sequences. BACKGROUND: Further clarification is needed on whether WM central veins can be confidently used as an imaging biomarker to differentiate MS from mimics. If to be clinically translated, it is important to achieve the same results when using different scanners. DESIGN/METHODS: Each patient was scanned on two different manufacturer’s (GE and Philips) 3T MRI scanners. The MRI protocol included 3D FLAIR, 3D T2* GRE, 3D T2* with high EPI factor (Philips) and 3D T2* SWAN (GE). WM central veins were identified on all T2* imaging. RESULTS: Ten patients with RRMS and 7 with WM ischaemic lesions were included. More central veins were identified on scans of MS patients compared to those with ischaemic lesions, irrespective of scanner used. Scans were identified correctly as MS or ischaemic in all patients based on the proportion of central veins:lesions. Mean numbers of central veins in the ischaemic group were virtually the same irrespective of scanner or sequence (mean =1.3). The percentage of central veins:lesions in the MS group differed between scanners despite the same core gradient-echo sequence being used. The mean percentage using the Philips scanner, standard T2* was 31.4 (range 15.3-45) vs 35.6 (range 14.3-60) using the GE scanner. T2* with high EPI produced the highest percentage (mean 65.7, range 40-91.3) followed by SWAN (mean 56.6, range 36.1-83.9). CONCLUSIONS: MS and ischaemic scans were correctly classified irrespective of the scanner or sequence used. T2* with high EPI is more sensitive in identifying central veins and lesions. WM lesion central veins continue to show promise in differentiating MS from ischaemia, irrespective of the 3T scanner used. Study Supported by: MRC Disclosure: Dr. Samaraweera has nothing to disclose. Dr. Morgan has received research support from Hoffmann-La Roche. Dr. Driver has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dineen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nikos has nothing to disclose.