Future applications of DWI in MS

Diffusion imaging is a noninvasive technique for measuring the movement of water molecules. Although it has had its greatest impact thus far in the area of stroke imaging, the information garnered from diffusion experiments can provide an indication of myelin injury and perhaps axonal integrity. In this paper, we describe some current and potential future applications of diffusion imaging in multiple sclerosis. These include the use of global indices such as diffusion trace and anisotropy, as well as implementation of axonal fiber tracking methodologies for assessment of axonal integrity and connectivity between cortical regions.