What type of lesions are typically found in MS patients on MRI?

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the most characteristic finding on MRI is the presence of hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images. These hyperintense lesions signify areas of demyelination and inflammation within the central nervous system, which are hallmarks of the disease. T2-weighted imaging is particularly sensitive to changes in water content in tissues; thus, the lesions appear bright against the darker background of normal brain tissue. As MS typically involves the formation of plaques in the white matter, these lesions become easily identifiable on T2-weighted scans, allowing for effective diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression.

The distinction of hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images is critical because they correlate with the disease process of MS, representing areas where the myelin sheath has been damaged, leading to edema and increased water signaling. Recognizing these lesions helps in understanding both the acute inflammatory phase and the chronic evolution of the disease. The presentation of lesions can vary over time, but the hyperintensity on T2-weighted images remains a central feature of MRI findings in MS.