Stronger MRI's speed MS diagnosis

NEW YORK, May 4 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say ultra-high-field MRIs allow for earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Ultra-high-field -- or 7T -- MRI can detect multiple sclerosis lesions better than 3T MRI, researchers from Ohio State University and New York's Columbia University said in a release.

"The greater sensitivity of 7T MRI for multiple sclerosis can delay disease conversion, and may lead to improved monitoring of neurological deficits in multiple sclerosis," said lead author Dr. Steffen Sammet.

Sammet said MRI at 7T can also give additional information about the lesion microstructure to help doctors better understand the disease.