Objective   To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients both in the brain and the spinal cord and to explore its relationship with factors such as quality of life

disability of MS patients and so on.   Methods   A total of 170 MS patients confirmed clinically underwent MRI examination and answered the questionnaires of Multiple Sclerosis Quality Of Life-54 instrument

Expanded Disability Status Scale

Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale.   Results   The lesions on brain MRI were usually seen in the white matter around the lateral ventricles

the centrum ovale majus and frontal lobe. The commonly seen length of the single lesions on the spinal cord was as long as that of 1-2 vertebral bodies

but that of the fused lesions was as long as that of 4-5 vertebral bodies. The distribution of the lesions was significantly correlated with the quality of life

the degrees of the disability

anxiety and depression.   Conclusion   MRI examination is useful for early and better diagnosis of MS and can provide guidance for treatment

and thus can improve the prognosis and the quality of life of patients.