MPRAGE-derived quantitative T1 mapping to assess diffuse white matter alterations in multiple sclerosis.

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by focal white matter (WM) lesions, but subtle damage also occurs in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). We developed a method to generate quantitative T1 maps from MPRAGE (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo) images and evaluated its ability to detect NAWM abnormalities across different MS phenotypes. MethodsT1 maps were derived from MPRAGE using a theoretical signal model and compared with MP2RAGE (Magnetization Prepared 2 Rapid Gradient Echoes) T1 values in four healthy volunteers. The method was then applied to 87 MS patients, divided into clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and primary progressive