5T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brain MRI fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) sequences were performed in 32 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (mean ± standard deviation) was 2 ± 2.0 (range 0-8), disease duration 9.3 ± 8.0 (range .8-29) years. FLAIR lesion volume (FLLV) at 3T was higher than at 1.5T (P= .01). Correlation between 1.5T FLLV and EDSS score was poor, while 3T FLLV correlated moderately and significantly (rs= .39, P= .03). When controlling

for age and depression, correlations between Bioactive Compound Library research buy FLLV and cognitive measures were significant at 1.5T for the Judgment of Line Orientation test (JLO) (rs=−.44, P= .05), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (rs=−.49, P= .02), and the California Verbal Learning Test Delayed Free Recall (CVLT DR) (rs=−.44, P= .04). Correlations at 3T were also significant for these tests, but of greater magnitude: JLO (rs=−.70, P= .0005), SDMT (rs=−.73, P= .0001), CVLT DR (rs=−.061, P= .003). Additional significant correlations obtained only at 3T included the 2 second-paced auditory serial addition test (rs=−.55, P= .01), the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Delayed Free Recall (rs=−.56,

P= .007), and the California Verbal Learning Test Total Recall (rs=−.42, P= .05). MRI at 3T may boost sensitivity and improve validity in MS brain lesion assessment. Cognitive impairment occurs in 40-70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)1,2 and frequently includes limitations in mental processing speed, learning, and both working and episodic memory. Impairment Wnt inhibitor in these and other cognitive domains can impact activities of daily living, quality of life,3 and employability.4,5 Cognitive deficits can present early in the disease course6 and

can afflict patients despite a relative lack of physical disability.7 Studies attempting to link magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) defined MS brain pathology as assessed by total brain selleckchem T2 lesion volume and cognitive dysfunction have had varying degrees of success.8,9 Regional T2 analysis has not significantly enhanced correlations.10,11 Though a potential explanation for this may be that cerebral T2 hyperintensities lack pathologic specificity, another possibility is that conventional MRI platforms at 1.5T do not adequately capture the full extent of MS-related damage. There is a growing interest in the use of 3T and higher MRI field strengths to increase diagnostic yield in the evaluation of a host of neurologic disorders.12,13 With Food and Drug Administration approval of 3T for clinical use,14 3T MRI platforms are becoming increasingly available. Studies in MS indicate that 3T or higher field strengths increase sensitivity to MS brain lesions when compared to 1.5T.12,15–18 On the other hand, 3T also shows increased sensitivity to age-related and incidental hyperintensities in normal subjects.19 Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the validity of both 1.