Magnetic resonance findings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using a spin echo magnetization transfer sequence: preliminary report

Abstract

We present the magnetic resonance (MR) findings of five patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using a spin-echo sequence with an additional magnetization transfer (MT) pulse on T1-weighted images (T1 SE/MT). These findings were absent in the control group and consisted of hyperintensity of the corticospinal tract. Moreover we discuss the principles and the use of this fast but simple MR technique in the diagnosis of ALS

Apresentamos as alterações do sinal de ressonância magnética (RM) encontradas em cinco pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrofica (ELA) utilizando sequência spin-echo ponderada em T1 com pulso adicional de transferência de magnetização (T1 SE/MT). Essas anormalidades estão ausentes no grupo controle e consistem de hipersinal dos tratos piramidais. Discutimos os princípios e o emprego dessa técnica simples e rápida de imagens por RM no diagnóstico de ELA.