DBP2:MIND:BeyondLesionsProject

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Key Investigators

• H. Jeremy Bockholt
• Mark Scully
• Ross Whitaker
• Steve Pieper
• Vincent Magnotta
• Guido Gerig

Objective

Going beyond classification of crisp boundaries of lesion hyperintensities on FLAIR, how can DTI be incorporated to investigate diffuse lesions. Determine the requirements for potentially looking at white matter intensity abnormalities that may not manifest themselves as "classic lesions" Set up a framework for testing lower FA and higher MD in lupus versus healthy normal volunteers

Approach, Plan

Map out a strategy and timeline with concrete deliverables for use of DTI scalars. Can FA/MD maps contribute favourably to lesion classification or do these maps demonstrate more diffuse white matter abnormalities at and around lesions as identified on FLAIR.

Set up and run analysis of 42 patients/controls (15 with lesions) to determine if the study replicates lowered FA and highered MD in white matter lesion regions.

Progress

This project was more of a planning session this week.