Rinshō shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology
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Useful characteristics of MRI finding of multiple sclerosis (MS) include the distribution of lesions such as a strictly periventricular, infratentorial, or juxtacortical location, involvement of the corpus callosum and the presence of ovoid lesions with long axis directed to lateral ventricles. Our MRI-diagnostic criteria improved the sensitivity and specificity and is clinically useful. New sequences, such as fast spin echo, turbo spin echo or fluid attenuated inversion recovery have improved the detection of lesions. ⋯ One of spectroscopic indices of axonal loss is N-acetylaspartate. Atrophy is a process closely linked with the progressive phase of MS and worsening disability. Detection of the reduction in cord cross-sectional area or spinal cord atrophy over time makes an important contribution to the evaluation of therapeutic efficacy, especially in primary progressive disease.