ABSTRACT Background One manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is abnormal iron‐related susceptibility changes in deep gray matter (DGM), contributing to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a metabolic intervention that may influence inflammatory and iron‐related pathways. Purpose To compare susceptibility‐derived phase values in DGM between fasting and non‐fasting periods in patients with MS. Study Type Retrospective observational cohort study. Population 36 patients with MS were studied: a fasting group ( n = 20; mean age 33.1 ± 9.6 years; 14 males), a non‐fasting control group ( n = 14; mean age 34.9 ± 10.8 years; 10 males), and two cases with additional measurements. Field Strength/Sequence 1.5 T; Echo Planar Susceptibility‐Weighted Imaging (EPI‐SWI). Assessment Paramagnetic mean phase values (pMPVs) were measured in nine bilateral DGM regions at 2 time points separated by a 1‐year interval. Statistical Tests Paired and independent t ‐tests were used to analyze phase value changes; a p ‐value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Inter‐rater reliability was high (ICC = 0.91). The fasting group had lower pMPVs at the second time compared to the first (48.91 ± 10.45 vs. 38.38 ± 11.23; mean difference −10.53; 95% CI: −13.28 to −7.78), with consistent reductions across all subregions. The non‐fasting group showed the opposite pattern (45.42 ± 19.98 vs. 52.99 ± 21.05; 95% CI: 4.71 to 10.43), while bilateral thalamic values remained stable (left p = 0.104; right p = 0.938). Serial case studies are associated with temporal patterns in pMPVs during fasting and non‐fasting intervals. Data Conclusion Measurements during fasting periods were associated with lower pMPVs in DGM in multiple sclerosis compared to non‐fasting periods. Level of Evidence 3. Technical Efficacy Stage 3.
Hamed et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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