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Wills O, Wright B, Greenwood LM, Solowij N, Schira M, Maller JJ, Gupta A, Magnussen J, Probst Y. Lifestyle management and brain MRI metrics in female Australian adults living with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility and acceptability study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:71. [PMID: 38698454 PMCID: PMC11064336 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) exist whereby magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with consistent imaging protocols occurs at the same time points as collection of healthy lifestyle measures. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of acquiring MRI data as an objective, diagnostic and prognostic marker of MS, at the same time point as brain-healthy lifestyle measures including diet. METHODS Participants living with relapsing remitting MS partook in one structural MRI scanning session of the brain, completed two online 24-hour dietary recalls and demographic and self-reported lifestyle questionnaires (e.g. self-reported disability, comorbidities, physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), stress). Measures of central tenancy and level of dispersion were calculated for feasibility and acceptability of the research protocols. Lesion count was determined by one radiologist and volumetric analyses by a data analysis pipeline based on FreeSurfer software suite. Correlations between white matter lesion count, whole brain volume analyses and lifestyle measures were assessed using Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient. RESULTS Thirteen female participants were included in the study: eligibility rate 90.6% (29/32), recruitment rate 46.9% (15/32) and compliance rate 87% (13/15). The mean time to complete all required tasks, including MRI acquisition was 115.86 minutes ( ± 23.04), over 4 days. Conversion to usual dietary intake was limited by the small sample. There was one strong, negative correlation between BMI and brain volume (rs = -0.643, p = 0.018) and one strong, positive correlation between physical activity and brain volume (rs = 0.670, p = 0.012) that were both statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Acquiring MRI brain scans at the same time point as lifestyle profiles in adults with MS is both feasible and accepted among adult females living with MS. Quantification of volumetric MRI data support further investigations using semi-automated pipelines among people living with MS, with pre-processing steps identified to increase automated feasibility. This protocol may be used to determine relationships between elements of a brain-healthy lifestyle, including dietary intake, and measures of disease burden and brain health, as assessed by T1-weighted and T2-weighted lesion count and whole brain volume, in an adequately powered sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study protocol was retrospectively registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000296538).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wills
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Brooklyn Wright
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Lisa-Marie Greenwood
- Illawara Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Illawara Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Mark Schira
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jerome J Maller
- General Electric Healthcare, Richmond, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alok Gupta
- Illawara Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Wollongong Diagnostic Imaging Group, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - John Magnussen
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Yasmine Probst
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Illawara Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Bayoumi A, Hasan KM, Patino J, Keser Z, Thomas JA, Gabr RE, Pedroza C, Kamali A. Identifying the white matter pathways involved in multiple sclerosis-related tremor using diffusion tensor imaging. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2023; 9:20552173231208271. [PMID: 38021452 PMCID: PMC10631316 DOI: 10.1177/20552173231208271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tremor affects up to 45% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Current understanding is based on insights from other neurological disorders, thus, not fully addressing the distinctive aspects of MS pathology. Objective To characterize the brain white matter (WM) correlates of MS-related tremor using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods In a prospective case-control study, PwMS with tremor were assessed for tremor severity and underwent MRI scans including DTI. PwMS without tremor served as matched controls. After tract selection and segmentation, the resulting diffusivity measures were used to calculate group differences and correlations with tremor severity. Results This study included 72 PwMS. The tremor group (n = 36) exhibited significant changes in several pathways, notably in the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (Cohen's d = 1.53, q < 0.001) and left corticospinal tract (d = 1.32, q < 0.001), compared to controls (n = 36). Furthermore, specific tracts showed a significant correlation with tremor severity, notably in the left medial lemniscus (Spearman's coefficient [rsp] = -0.56, p < 0.001), and forceps minor of corpus callosum (rsp = -0.45, p < 0.01). Conclusion MS-related tremor is associated with widespread diffusivity changes in WM pathways and its severity correlates with commissural and sensory projection pathways, which suggests a role for proprioception or involvement of the dentato-rubro-olivary circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Bayoumi
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khader M. Hasan
- Department of Radiology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jorge Patino
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zafer Keser
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph A. Thomas
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Refaat E. Gabr
- Department of Radiology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Claudia Pedroza
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arash Kamali
- Department of Radiology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA
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Siger M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients : Review. Clin Neuroradiol 2022; 32:625-641. [PMID: 35258820 PMCID: PMC9424179 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-022-01144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The recently developed effective treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) requires the accurate diagnosis of patients with this type of disease. Currently, the diagnosis of PPMS is based on the 2017 McDonald criteria, although the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to this process is fundamental. PPMS, one of the clinical types of MS, represents 10%-15% of all MS patients. Compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), PPMS differs in terms of pathology, clinical presentation and MRI features. Regarding conventional MRI, focal lesions on T2-weighted images and acute inflammatory lesions with contrast enhancement are less common in PPMS than in RRMS. On the other hand, MRI features of chronic inflammation, such as slowly evolving/expanding lesions (SELs) and leptomeningeal enhancement (LME), and brain and spinal cord atrophy are more common MRI characteristics in PPMS than RRMS. Nonconventional MRI also shows differences in subtle white and grey matter damage between PPMS and other clinical types of disease. In this review, we present separate diagnostic criteria, conventional and nonconventional MRI specificity for PPMS, which may support and simplify the diagnosis of this type of MS in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Siger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Łódź, 22 Kopcinskiego Str., 90-153, Łódź, Poland.
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4
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Madsen MAJ, Wiggermann V, Marques MFM, Lundell H, Cerri S, Puonti O, Blinkenberg M, Christensen JR, Sellebjerg F, Siebner HR. Linking lesions in sensorimotor cortex to contralateral hand function in multiple sclerosis: a 7 T MRI study. Brain 2022; 145:3522-3535. [PMID: 35653498 PMCID: PMC9586550 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cortical lesions constitute a key manifestation of multiple sclerosis and contribute to clinical disability and cognitive impairment. Yet it is unknown whether local cortical lesions and cortical lesion subtypes contribute to domain-specific impairments attributable to the function of the lesioned cortex.
In this cross-sectional study, we assessed how cortical lesions in the primary sensorimotor hand area (SM1-HAND) relate to corticomotor physiology and sensorimotor function of the contralateral hand. 50 relapse-free patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis and 28 healthy age- and sex-matched participants underwent whole-brain 7 T MRI to map cortical lesions. Brain scans were also used to estimate normalized brain volume, pericentral cortical thickness, white matter lesion fraction of the corticospinal tract, infratentorial lesion volume and the cross-sectional area of the upper cervical spinal cord. We tested sensorimotor hand function and calculated a motor and sensory composite score for each hand. In 37 patients and 20 healthy controls, we measured maximal motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, resting motor threshold and corticomotor conduction time with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the N20 latency from somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs).
Patients showed at least one cortical lesion in the SM1-HAND in 47 of 100 hemispheres. The presence of a lesion was associated with worse contralateral sensory (P = 0.014) and motor (P = 0.009) composite scores. TMS of a lesion-positive SM1-HAND revealed a decreased maximal MEP amplitude (P < 0.001) and delayed corticomotor conduction (P = 0.002) relative to a lesion-negative SM1-HAND. Stepwise mixed linear regressions showed that the presence of an SM1-HAND lesion, higher white-matter lesion fraction of the corticospinal tract, reduced spinal cord cross-sectional area and higher infratentorial lesion volume were associated with reduced contralateral motor hand function. Cortical lesions in SM1-HAND, spinal cord cross-sectional area and normalized brain volume were also associated with smaller maximal MEP amplitude and longer corticomotor conduction times. The effect of cortical lesions on sensory function was no longer significant when controlling for MRI-based covariates. Lastly, we found that intracortical and subpial lesions had the largest effect on reduced motor hand function, intracortical lesions on reduced MEP amplitude and leukocortical lesions on delayed corticomotor conduction.
Together, this comprehensive multi-level assessment of sensorimotor brain damage shows that the presence of a cortical lesion in SM1-HAND is associated with impaired corticomotor function of the hand, after accounting for damage at the subcortical level. The results also provide preliminary evidence that cortical lesion types may affect the various facets of corticomotor function differentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads A. J. Madsen
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Vanessa Wiggermann
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Marta F. M. Marques
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Henrik Lundell
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Stefano Cerri
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Technical University of Denmark Department of Health Technology, , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Oula Puonti
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Morten Blinkenberg
- Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, , 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Romme Christensen
- Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, , 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Finn Sellebjerg
- Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, , 2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen Department of Clinical Medicine, , 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hartwig R. Siebner
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager & Hvidovre Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, , 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Department of Neurology, , 2400 Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen Department of Clinical Medicine, , 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Predictive MRI Biomarkers in MS—A Critical Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030377. [PMID: 35334554 PMCID: PMC8949449 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In this critical review, we explore the potential use of MRI measurements as prognostic biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, for both conventional measurements and more novel techniques such as magnetization transfer, diffusion tensor, and proton spectroscopy MRI. Materials and Methods: All authors individually and comprehensively reviewed each of the aspects listed below in PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. Results: There are numerous MRI metrics that have been proven by clinical studies to hold important prognostic value for MS patients, most of which can be readily obtained from standard 1.5T MRI scans. Conclusions: While some of these parameters have passed the test of time and seem to be associated with a reliable predictive power, some are still better interpreted with caution. We hope this will serve as a reminder of how vast a resource we have on our hands in this versatile tool—it is up to us to make use of it.
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Cerebellar Contributions to Motor Impairments in People with Multiple Sclerosis. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 21:1052-1060. [PMID: 34657272 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although Charcot characterized classic cerebellar symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in 1877, the impact of cerebellar dysfunction on MS symptoms has predominately been evaluated in the last two decades. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated the association between cerebellar pathology, including atrophy and reduced fractional anisotropy in the peduncles, and motor impairments, such as reduced gait velocity and time to complete walking tasks. However, future studies using novel imaging techniques are needed to elucidate all potential pathophysiology that is associated with disability in PwMS. Additionally, future studies are required to determine the most effective treatments for motor impairments in PwMS, including the specific type and duration of exercise interventions, and potential means to amplify their effects, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This mini-review critically discusses the distinct role of cerebellar dysfunction in motor impairments in PwMS, potential treatments, and directions for future studies.
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Chen X, Roberts N, Zheng Q, Peng Y, Han Y, Luo Q, Zeng C, Wang J, Luo T, Li Y. Progressive brain microstructural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis but not in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional and follow-up tract-based spatial statistics study. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 55:103178. [PMID: 34384989 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) may sometimes be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) because both disorders have similar clinical presentations and commonly show white matter damage in the brain. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MRI technique to assess the microstructural organization of white matter and provides greater pathological specificity than conventional MRI. In the present combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study, the novel DTI technique of Track-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was used to investigate the difference of DTI parameter abnormalities between NMOSD and MS. METHODS A total of 42 patients with NMOSD, 51 patients with MS and 56 health controls (HC) were recruited and of these 14 patients with NMOSD and 13 patients with MS were also studied at follow-up after an average interval of approximately one year. Measurements of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were compared at baseline and follow-up in patients with NMOSD and MS. RESULTS Significant reduction in FA, increase in MD, AD and RD were observed in patients with MS (p < 0.05) and reduced FA was shown in NMOSD (p < 0.05) compared to HC, with all the effects, together with lesion load on T1WI and T2WI, being greater in patients with MS than in patients with NMOSD (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the time interval to follow-up in patients with MS (1.37 years) and NMOSD (1.25 years) (p > 0.05), during which there were significant changes in EDSS score between baseline and follow-up in NMOSD and MS patients (p < 0.05). There was a significantly reduced FA, and increased MD and RD in patients with MS (p < 0.05), but no significant changes in patients with NMOSD (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both MS and NMOSD have microstructure damage in white matter, while the progressive change in brain microstructural properties is observed in patients with MS but may not in patients with NMOSD in a short-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Chen
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Neil Roberts
- Edinburgh Imaging facility QMRI, Queen's Medical Research Institute University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yongliang Han
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qi Luo
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chun Zeng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingjie Wang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tianyou Luo
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Yu X, Yin X, Hong H, Wang S, Jiaerken Y, Zhang F, Pasternak O, Zhang R, Yang L, Lou M, Zhang M, Huang P. Increased extracellular fluid is associated with white matter fiber degeneration in CADASIL: in vivo evidence from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:29. [PMID: 34193191 PMCID: PMC8247253 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are one of the hallmarks of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), but the pathological mechanisms underlying WMHs remain unclear. Recent studies suggest that extracellular fluid (ECF) is increased in brain regions with WMHs. It has been hypothesized that ECF accumulation may have detrimental effects on white matter microstructure. To test this hypothesis, we used cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) as a unique CSVD model to investigate the relationships between ECF and fiber microstructural changes in WMHs. Methods Thirty-eight CADASIL patients underwent 3.0 T MRI with multi-model sequences. Parameters of free water (FW) and apparent fiber density (AFD) obtained from diffusion-weighted imaging (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2) were respectively used to quantify the ECF and fiber density. WMHs were split into four subregions with four levels of FW using quartiles (FWq1 to FWq4) for each participant. We analyzed the relationships between FW and AFD in each subregion of WMHs. Additionally, we tested whether FW of WMHs were associated with other accompanied CSVD imaging markers including lacunes and microbleeds. Results We found an inverse correlation between FW and AFD in WMHs. Subregions of WMHs with high-level of FW (FWq3 and FWq4) were accompanied with decreased AFD and with changes in FW-corrected diffusion tensor imaging parameters. Furthermore, FW was also independently associated with lacunes and microbleeds. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that increased ECF was associated with WM degeneration and the occurrence of lacunes and microbleeds, providing important new insights into the role of ECF in CADASIL pathology. Improving ECF drainage might become a therapeutic strategy in future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-021-00264-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Yu
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xinzhen Yin
- Department of Neurology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Hong
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Shuyue Wang
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yeerfan Jiaerken
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ofer Pasternak
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruiting Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Linglin Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Lou
- Department of Neurology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.88 Jiefang Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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Giorgio A, Battaglini M, Gentile G, Stromillo ML, Gasperini C, Visconti A, Paolillo A, De Stefano N. Mapping the Progressive Treatment-Related Reduction of Active MRI Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:585296. [PMID: 33329329 PMCID: PMC7714945 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.585296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess treatment-related spatio-temporal dynamics of active MRI lesions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of MRI data acquired at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16, in RRMS patients from the multicenter randomized IMPROVE study, which compares patients treated with 44 mcg subcutaneous interferon β-1a three times weekly (n = 120) versus placebo (n = 60). We created lesion probability maps (LPMs) of the cumulative combined unique active (CUA) lesions in each patient group at each time point. Group differences were tested in terms of lesion spatial distribution and frequency of occurrence. Results: Spatial distribution of CUA lesions throughout the study was less widespread in the treated than placebo group, with a 50% lower lesion accrual (24 vs. 48 cm3/month). Similar results were obtained with the WM tract analysis, with a reduction ranging from −47 to −66% in the treated group (p < 0.001). On voxel-wise analysis, CUA lesion frequency was lower in the treated group than the placebo group at week 4 (p = 0.07, corrected), becoming particularly pronounced (p ≤ 0.03, corrected) from week 8 onwards in large clusters of WM tracts, with peaks along fronto-parietal parts of the corticospinal tract, thalamic radiation, and superior longitudinal fascicle. Conclusion: LPM showed, in the short term, a treatment-related reduction of MRI lesion activity in RRMS patients in specific, clinically relevant brain locations. Such a quantitative approach might be a promising additional endpoint in future MS studies alongside the number and volume of WM lesions. Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00441103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giordano Gentile
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Visconti
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Paolillo
- Medical Affairs Department, Merck Serono S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Andersen KW, Lasič S, Lundell H, Nilsson M, Topgaard D, Sellebjerg F, Szczepankiewicz F, Siebner HR, Blinkenberg M, Dyrby TB. Disentangling white-matter damage from physiological fibre orientation dispersion in multiple sclerosis. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa077. [PMID: 32954329 PMCID: PMC7472898 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis leads to diffuse damage of the central nervous system, affecting also the normal-appearing white matter. Demyelination and axonal degeneration reduce regional fractional anisotropy in normal-appearing white matter, which can be routinely mapped with diffusion tensor imaging. However, the standard fractional anisotropy metric is also sensitive to physiological variations in orientation dispersion of white matter fibres. This complicates the detection of disease-related damage in large parts of cerebral white matter where microstructure physiologically displays a high degree of fibre dispersion. To resolve this ambiguity, we employed a novel tensor-valued encoding method for diffusion MRI, which yields a microscopic fractional anisotropy metric that is unaffected by regional variations in orientation dispersion. In 26 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, 14 patients with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis and 27 age-matched healthy controls, we compared standard fractional anisotropy mapping with the novel microscopic fractional anisotropy mapping method, focusing on normal-appearing white matter. Mean microscopic fractional anisotropy and standard fractional anisotropy of normal-appearing white matter were significantly reduced in both patient groups relative to healthy controls, but microscopic fractional anisotropy yielded a better reflection of disease-related white-matter alterations. The reduction in mean microscopic fractional anisotropy showed a significant positive linear relationship with physical disability, as reflected by the expanded disability status scale. Mean reduction of microscopic fractional anisotropy in normal-appearing white matter also scaled positively with individual cognitive dysfunction, as measured with the symbol digit modality test. Mean microscopic fractional anisotropy reduction in normal-appearing white matter also showed a positive relationship with total white-matter lesion load as well as lesion load in specific tract systems. None of these relationships between normal-appearing white-matter microstructure and clinical, cognitive or structural measures emerged when using mean fractional anisotropy. Together, the results provide converging evidence that microscopic fractional anisotropy mapping substantially advances the assessment of cerebral white matter in multiple sclerosis by disentangling microstructure damage from variations in physiological fibre orientation dispersion at the stage of data acquisition. Since tensor-valued encoding can be implemented in routine diffusion MRI, microscopic fractional anisotropy mapping bears considerable potential for the future assessment of disease progression in normal-appearing white matter in both relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis as well as other white-matter-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Winther Andersen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Samo Lasič
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Random Walk Imaging, AB, 222 24 Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrik Lundell
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Markus Nilsson
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Topgaard
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Finn Sellebjerg
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip Szczepankiewicz
- Department of Medical Radiation Physics, Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hartwig Roman Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Morten Blinkenberg
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tim B Dyrby
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2700 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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11
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Akaishi T, Takahashi T, Fujihara K, Misu T, Mugikura S, Abe M, Ishii T, Aoki M, Nakashima I. Number of MRI T1-hypointensity corrected by T2/FLAIR lesion volume indicates clinical severity in patients with multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231225. [PMID: 32243459 PMCID: PMC7122737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progressive brain atrophy, development of T1-hypointense areas, and T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)-hyperintense lesion formation in multiple sclerosis (MS) are popular volumetric data that are often utilized as clinical outcomes. However, the exact clinical interpretation of these volumetric data has not yet been fully established. METHODS We enrolled 42 consecutive patients with MS who fulfilled the revised McDonald criteria of 2010. They were followed-up for more than 3 years from onset, and cross-sectional brain volumetry was performed. Patients with no brain lesions were excluded in advance from this study. For the brain volumetric data, we evaluated several parameters including age-adjusted gray-matter volume atrophy, age-adjusted white-matter volume atrophy, and T2-FLAIR lesion volume. The numbers of T1-hypointense and T2-FLAIR-hyperintense areas were also measured along the same timeline. The clinical data pertaining to disease duration, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and MS severity score (MSSS) at the timing of volumetry were collected. RESULTS Among the 42 patients with MS and brain lesions, the number of T1-hypointensity (rho = 0.51, p<0.001), gray-matter atrophy (rho = 0.40, p<0.01) and white-matter atrophy (rho = 0.49, p<0.001) correlated with the EDSS. T1-hypointensity count divided by FLAIR lesion volume correlated with the MSSS (rho = 0.60, p<0.001). Meanwhile, counts or volumes of FLAIR-hyperintense lesions were associated only with the times of past relapses, and did not correlate with present neurological disability level or ongoing disease activity. These findings were consistent regardless of the presence of spinal cord lesions. CONCLUSION Numbers of T1-hypointensities and brain atrophy equally indicated the current neurological disability in MS. The number of T1-hypointensities divided by FLAIR lesion volume represented the clinical severity. The size or number of FLAIR lesions reflected earlier relapses but was not a good indicator of neurological disability or clinical severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Akaishi
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Yonezawa National Hospital, Yonezawa, Japan
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Department of Multiple Sclerosis Therapeutics, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Misu
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shunji Mugikura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiaki Abe
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tadashi Ishii
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masashi Aoki
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakashima
- Department of Neurology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
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12
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Conrad BN, Barry RL, Rogers BP, Maki S, Mishra A, Thukral S, Sriram S, Bhatia A, Pawate S, Gore JC, Smith SA. Multiple sclerosis lesions affect intrinsic functional connectivity of the spinal cord. Brain 2019; 141:1650-1664. [PMID: 29648581 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with multiple sclerosis present with focal lesions throughout the spinal cord. There is a clinical need for non-invasive measurements of spinal cord activity and functional organization in multiple sclerosis, given the cord's critical role in the disease. Recent reports of spontaneous blood oxygenation level-dependent fluctuations in the spinal cord using functional MRI suggest that, like the brain, cord activity at rest is organized into distinct, synchronized functional networks among grey matter regions, likely related to motor and sensory systems. Previous studies looking at stimulus-evoked activity in the spinal cord of patients with multiple sclerosis have demonstrated increased levels of activation as well as a more bilateral distribution of activity compared to controls. Functional connectivity studies of brain networks in multiple sclerosis have revealed widespread alterations, which may take on a dynamic trajectory over the course of the disease, with compensatory increases in connectivity followed by decreases associated with structural damage. We build upon this literature by examining functional connectivity in the spinal cord of patients with multiple sclerosis. Using ultra-high field 7 T imaging along with processing strategies for robust spinal cord functional MRI and lesion identification, the present study assessed functional connectivity within cervical cord grey matter of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 22) compared to a large sample of healthy controls (n = 56). Patient anatomical images were rated for lesions by three independent raters, with consensus ratings revealing 19 of 22 patients presented with lesions somewhere in the imaged volume. Linear mixed models were used to assess effects of lesion location on functional connectivity. Analysis in control subjects demonstrated a robust pattern of connectivity among ventral grey matter regions as well as a distinct network among dorsal regions. A gender effect was also observed in controls whereby females demonstrated higher ventral network connectivity. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests detected no differences in average connectivity or power of low frequency fluctuations in patients compared to controls. The presence of lesions was, however, associated with local alterations in connectivity with differential effects depending on columnar location. The patient results suggest that spinal cord functional networks are generally intact in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but that lesions are associated with focal abnormalities in intrinsic connectivity. These findings are discussed in light of the current literature on spinal cord functional MRI and the potential neurological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Conrad
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert L Barry
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baxter P Rogers
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Satoshi Maki
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arabinda Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Saakshi Thukral
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Subramaniam Sriram
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aashim Bhatia
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Siddharama Pawate
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Seth A Smith
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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13
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Hemond CC, Healy BC, Tauhid S, Mazzola MA, Quintana FJ, Gandhi R, Weiner HL, Bakshi R. MRI phenotypes in MS: Longitudinal changes and miRNA signatures. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2019; 6:e530. [PMID: 30800720 PMCID: PMC6384020 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective To classify and immunologically characterize persons with MS based on brain lesions and atrophy and their associated microRNA profiles. Methods Cerebral T2-hyperintense lesion volume (T2LV) and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) were quantified and used to define MRI phenotypes as follows: type I: low T2LV, low atrophy; type II: high T2LV, low atrophy; type III: low T2LV, high atrophy; type IV: high T2LV, high atrophy, in a large cross-sectional cohort (n = 1,088) and a subset with 5-year lngitudinal follow-up (n = 153). Serum miRNAs were assessed on a third MS cohort with 2-year MRI phenotype stability (n = 98). Results One-third of the patients had lesion-atrophy dissociation (types II or III) in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts. At 5 years, all phenotypes had progressive atrophy (p < 0.001), disproportionally in type II (BPF -2.28%). Only type IV worsened in physical disability. Types I and II showed a 5-year MRI phenotype conversion rate of 33% and 46%, whereas III and IV had >90% stability. Type II switched primarily to IV (91%); type I switched primarily to II (47%) or III (37%). Baseline higher age (p = 0.006) and lower BPF (p < 0.001) predicted 5-year phenotype conversion. Each MRI phenotype demonstrated an miRNA signature whose underlying biology implicates blood-brain barrier pathology: hsa.miR.22.3p, hsa.miR.361.5p, and hsa.miR.345.5p were the most valid differentiators of MRI phenotypes. Conclusions MRI-defined MS phenotypes show high conversion rates characterized by the continuation of either predominant neurodegeneration or inflammation and support the partial independence of these 2 measures. MicroRNA signatures of these phenotypes suggest a role for blood-brain barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Hemond
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Brian C Healy
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Shahamat Tauhid
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Maria A Mazzola
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Francisco J Quintana
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Roopali Gandhi
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Howard L Weiner
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
| | - Rohit Bakshi
- Departments of Neurology (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.) and Department of Radiology (R.B.); Brigham and Women's Hospital (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research (C.C.H., S.T., R.H.); Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W, R.B.); and Harvard Medical School (C.C.H., B.C.H., S.T., M.A.M., F.J.Q., R.G., H.L.W., R.B.), Boston, MA
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14
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Rothman A, Murphy OC, Fitzgerald KC, Button J, Gordon-Lipkin E, Ratchford JN, Newsome SD, Mowry EM, Sotirchos ES, Syc-Mazurek SB, Nguyen J, Caldito NG, Balcer LJ, Frohman EM, Frohman TC, Reich DS, Crainiceanu C, Saidha S, Calabresi PA. Retinal measurements predict 10-year disability in multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:222-232. [PMID: 30847355 PMCID: PMC6389740 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐derived measures of the retina correlate with disability and cortical gray matter atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, whether such measures predict long‐term disability is unknown. We evaluated whether a single OCT and visual function assessment predict the disability status 10 years later. Methods Between 2006 and 2008, 172 people with MS underwent Stratus time domain‐OCT imaging [160 with measurement of total macular volume (TMV)] and high and low‐contrast letter acuity (LCLA) testing (n = 150; 87%). All participants had Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) assessments at baseline and at 10‐year follow‐up. We applied generalized linear regression models to assess associations between baseline TMV, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and LCLA with 10‐year EDSS scores (linear) and with clinically significant EDSS worsening (binary), adjusting for age, sex, optic neuritis history, and baseline disability status. Results In multivariable models, lower baseline TMV was associated with higher 10‐year EDSS scores (mean increase in EDSS of 0.75 per 1 mm3 loss in TMV (mean difference = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.11–1.39; P = 0.02). In analyses using tertiles, individuals in the lowest tertile of baseline TMV had an average 0.86 higher EDSS scores at 10 years (mean difference = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.23–1.48) and had over 3.5‐fold increased odds of clinically significant EDSS worsening relative to those in the highest tertile of baseline TMV (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.30–9.82; Ptrend = 0.008). pRNFL and LCLA predicted the 10‐year EDSS scores only in univariate models. Interpretation Lower baseline TMV measured by OCT significantly predicts higher disability at 10 years, even after accounting for baseline disability status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Rothman
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | - Olwen C Murphy
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - Julia Button
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - John N Ratchford
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | - Scott D Newsome
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | - Ellen M Mowry
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | | | | | - James Nguyen
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - Laura J Balcer
- Department of Neurology New York University Langone Medical Center New York New York
| | - Elliot M Frohman
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology Dell Medical School University of Texas Austin Austin Texas
| | - Teresa C Frohman
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology Dell Medical School University of Texas Austin Austin Texas
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland.,Translational Neuroradiology Unit National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland.,Department of Biostatistics Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
| | | | - Shiv Saidha
- Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland
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15
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Bergsland N, Schweser F, Dwyer MG, Weinstock-Guttman B, Benedict RHB, Zivadinov R. Thalamic white matter in multiple sclerosis: A combined diffusion-tensor imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping study. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:4007-4017. [PMID: 29923266 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Thalamic white matter (WM) injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains relatively poorly understood. Combining multiple imaging modalities, sensitive to different tissue properties, may aid in further characterizing thalamic damage. Forty-five MS patients and 17 demographically-matched healthy controls (HC) were scanned with 3T MRI to obtain quantitative measures of diffusivity and magnetic susceptibility. Participants underwent cognitive evaluation with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis battery. Tract-based spatial statistics identified thalamic WM. Non-parametric combination (NPC) analysis was used to perform joint inference on fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) and magnetic susceptibility measures. The association of surrounding WM lesions and thalamic WM pathology was investigated with lesion probability mapping. Compared to HCs, the greatest extent of thalamic WM damage was reflected by the combination of increased MD and decreased magnetic susceptibility (63.0% of thalamic WM, peak p = .001). Controlling for thalamic volume resulted in decreased FA and magnetic susceptibility (34.1%, peak p = .004) as showing the greatest extent. In MS patients, the most widespread association with information processing speed was found with the combination of MD and magnetic susceptibility (67.6%, peak p = .0005), although this was not evident after controlling for thalamic volume. For memory measures, MD alone yielded the most widespread associations (45.9%, peak p = .012 or 76.7%, peak p = .001), even after considering thalamic volume, albeit with smaller percentages. White matter lesions were related to decreased FA (peak p = .0063) and increased MD (peak p = .007), but not magnetic susceptibility, of thalamic WM. Our study highlights the complex nature of thalamic pathology in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Bergsland
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ferdinand Schweser
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.,Center for Biomedical Imaging, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Michael G Dwyer
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.,Center for Biomedical Imaging, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ralph H B Benedict
- Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.,Center for Biomedical Imaging, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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Conventional and advanced MRI in multiple sclerosis. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2018; 174:391-397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Studies of large longitudinal cohorts of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have emphasized the prognostic value of conventional MRI markers, at least during early stages. Advanced imaging metrics derived from quantitative MRI and PET provide relevant information about microstructural damage within and outside visible lesions that may be more sensitive to predict long-term disability. Here, we summarize the most recent findings regarding the prognostic value of imaging markers throughout MS stages. RECENT FINDINGS In clinically isolated syndrome, the presence of at least one brain or spinal cord T2 lesion strongly increases the risk of conversion to clinically definite MS (hazard ratio ranging from 5 to 11). Similarly, the occurrence of new white matter lesions is strongly predictive of subsequent relapse rate and response to current disease modifying therapies. Beyond white matter lesions, volumetric changes in the grey matter and normal-appearing tissue damage are more sensitive prognostic markers for physical and cognitive disability, especially in progressive MS. SUMMARY Although white matter lesion number and volume still remains the imaging metric used in daily clinical practice, further development of advanced imaging predictors of long-term disability should allow a better stratification of patients in future clinical trials aimed at promoting repair or neuroprotection.
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Preziosa P, Pagani E, Mesaros S, Riccitelli GC, Dackovic J, Drulovic J, Filippi M, Rocca MA. Progression of regional atrophy in the left hemisphere contributes to clinical and cognitive deterioration in multiple sclerosis: A 5-year study. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:5648-5665. [PMID: 28792103 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this longitudinal study, we investigated the regional patterns of focal lesions accumulation, and gray (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy progression over a five-year follow-up (FU) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their association with clinical and cognitive deterioration. Neurological, neuropsychological and brain MRI (dual-echo and 3D T1-weighted sequences) assessments were prospectively performed at baseline (T0) and after a median FU of 4.9 years from 66 MS patients (including relapse-onset and primary progressive MS) and 16 matched controls. Lesion probability maps were obtained. Longitudinal changes of GM and WM volumes and their association with clinical and cognitive deterioration were assessed using tensor-based morphometry and SPM12. At FU, 36/66 (54.5%) MS patients showed a significant disability worsening, 14/66 (21.2%) evolved to a worse clinical phenotype, and 18/63 (28.6%) developed cognitive deterioration. At T0, compared to controls, MS patients showed a widespread pattern of GM atrophy, involving cortex, deep GM and cerebellum, and atrophy of the majority of WM tracts, which further progressed at FU (P < 0.001, uncorrected). Compared to stable patients, those with clinical and cognitive worsening showed a left-lateralized pattern of GM and WM atrophy, involving deep GM, fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital regions, cerebellum, and several WM tracts (P < 0.001, uncorrected).GM and WM atrophy of relevant brain regions occur in MS after 5 years. A different vulnerability of the two brain hemispheres to irreversible structural damage may be among the factors contributing to clinical and cognitive worsening in these patients. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5648-5665, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarlota Mesaros
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gianna C Riccitelli
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Jelena Dackovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Drulovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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20
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Burgetova A, Dusek P, Vaneckova M, Horakova D, Langkammer C, Krasensky J, Sobisek L, Matras P, Masek M, Seidl Z. Thalamic Iron Differentiates Primary-Progressive and Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:1079-1086. [PMID: 28450431 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Potential differences between primary progressive and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis are the subject of ongoing controversial discussions. The aim of this work was to determine whether and how primary-progressive and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subtypes differ regarding conventional MR imaging parameters, cerebral iron deposits, and their association with clinical status. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed 24 patients with primary-progressive MS, 80 with relapsing-remitting MS, and 20 healthy controls with 1.5T MR imaging for assessment of the conventional quantitative parameters: T2 lesion load, T1 lesion load, brain parenchymal fraction, and corpus callosum volume. Quantitative susceptibility mapping was performed to estimate iron concentration in the deep gray matter. RESULTS Decreased susceptibility within the thalamus in relapsing-remitting MS compared with primary-progressive MS was the only significant MR imaging difference between these MS subtypes. In the relapsing-remitting MS subgroup, the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was positively associated with conventional parameters reflecting white matter lesions and brain atrophy and with iron in the putamen and caudate nucleus. A positive association with putaminal iron and the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was found in primary-progressive MS. CONCLUSIONS Susceptibility in the thalamus might provide additional support for the differentiation between primary-progressive and relapsing-remitting MS. That the Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with conventional MR imaging parameters and iron concentrations in several deep gray matter regions in relapsing-remitting MS, while only a weak association with putaminal iron was observed in primary-progressive MS suggests different driving forces of disability in these MS subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Burgetova
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
| | - P Dusek
- Neurology (P.D., D.H.), Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Neuroradiology (P.D.), University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - M Vaneckova
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
| | - D Horakova
- Neurology (P.D., D.H.), Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - C Langkammer
- Department of Neurology (C.L.), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - J Krasensky
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
| | - L Sobisek
- Department of Statistics and Probability (L.S.), University of Economics, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Matras
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
| | - M Masek
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
| | - Z Seidl
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.B., M.V., J.K., P.M., M.M., Z.S.)
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21
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Rimkus CDM, Steenwijk MD, Barkhof F. Causes, effects and connectivity changes in MS-related cognitive decline. Dement Neuropsychol 2016; 10:2-11. [PMID: 29213424 PMCID: PMC5674907 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-57642016dn10100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a frequent but undervalued aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently, it remains unclear what the strongest determinants of cognitive dysfunction are, with grey matter damage most directly related to cognitive impairment. Multi-parametric studies seem to indicate that individual factors of MS-pathology are highly interdependent causes of grey matter atrophy and permanent brain damage. They are associated with intermediate functional effects (e.g. in functional MRI) representing a balance between disconnection and (mal) adaptive connectivity changes. Therefore, a more comprehensive MRI approach is warranted, aiming to link structural changes with functional brain organization. To better understand the disconnection syndromes and cognitive decline in MS, this paper reviews the associations between MRI metrics and cognitive performance, by discussing the interactions between multiple facets of MS pathology as determinants of brain damage and how they affect network efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina de Medeiros Rimkus
- Department of Radiology, Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM-44), Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil and Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM-44), Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil and Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn D Steenwijk
- Department of Radiology, Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM-44), Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil and Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Department of Physics and Medical technology, Neuroscience campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology, Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM-44), Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP, Brazil and Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Zhou F, Gong H, Chen Q, Wang B, Peng Y, Zhuang Y, Zee CS. Intrinsic Functional Plasticity of the Thalamocortical System in Minimally Disabled Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:2. [PMID: 26834600 PMCID: PMC4725198 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalamus plays a crucial role in sensorimotor, cognitive, and attentional circuit functions. Disruptions in thalamic connectivity are believed to underlie the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, assessing thalamocortical structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) may provide new insights into the mechanism of intrinsic functional plasticity in a large-scale neural network. We used resting-state FC measurement and diffusion tensor imaging probabilistic tractography to study the functional and structural integrity of the thalamocortical system in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and matched healthy controls. In the thalamocortical connections of RRMS patients, we found lesion load-related regional FC in the right temporal pole, which reflected compensatory hyperconnectivity related to lesion-related demyelination. We also found significant correlations between increased diffusivity and slowed cognitive processing (PASAT) or the impact of fatigue (MFIS-5), as well as between connective fiber loss and disease duration. Taken together, the evidence from SC and FC analysis of the thalamocortical system suggests that minimally disabled RRMS patients exhibit a dissociated SC-FC pattern and limited regional functional plasticity to compensate for the chronic demyelination-related loss of long-distance SC. These results also provide further evidence supporting the notion that MS is a disorder of anatomical disconnection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Honghan Gong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University , Nanchang , China
| | - Ying Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Nanchang City , Nanchang , China
| | - Chi-Shing Zee
- Department of Radiology, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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23
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Zhuang Y, Zhou F, Gong H. Intrinsic functional plasticity of the sensorimotor network in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: evidence from a centrality analysis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130524. [PMID: 26110420 PMCID: PMC4482320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Advanced MRI studies have revealed regional alterations in the sensorimotor cortex of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, the organizational features underlying the relapsing phase and the subsequent remitting phase have not been directly shown at the functional network or the connectome level. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize MS-related centrality disturbances of the sensorimotor network (SMN) and to assess network integrity and connectedness. Methods Thirty-four patients with clinically definite RRMS and well-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Twenty-three patients in the remitting phase underwent one resting-state functional MRI, and 11 patients in the relapsing-remitting phase underwent two different MRIs. We measured voxel-wise centrality metrics to determine direct (degree centrality, DC) and global (eigenvector centrality, EC) functional relationships across the entire SMN. Results In the relapsing phase, DC was significantly decreased in the bilateral primary motor and somatosensory cortex (M1/S1), left dorsal premotor (PMd), and operculum-integrated regions. However, DC was increased in the peripheral SMN areas. The decrease in DC in the bilateral M1/S1 was associated with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and total white matter lesion loads (TWMLLs), suggesting that this adaptive response is related to the extent of brain damage in the rapid-onset attack stage. During the remission process, these alterations in centrality were restored in the bilateral M1/S1 and peripheral SMN areas. In the remitting phase, DC was reduced in the premotor, supplementary motor, and operculum-integrated regions, reflecting an adaptive response due to brain atrophy. However, DC was enhanced in the right M1 and left parietal-integrated regions, indicating chronic reorganization. In both the relapsing and remitting phases, the changes in EC and DC were similar. Conclusions The alterations in centrality within the SMN indicate rapid plasticity and chronic reorganization with a biased impairment of specific functional areas in RRMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhuang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Honghan. Gong
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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24
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Bergsland N, Laganà MM, Tavazzi E, Caffini M, Tortorella P, Baglio F, Baselli G, Rovaris M. Corticospinal tract integrity is related to primary motor cortex thinning in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2015; 21:1771-80. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458515576985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The relationship between white matter injury and cortical atrophy development in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) remains unclear. Objectives: To investigate the associations between corticospinal tract integrity and cortical morphology measures of the primary motor cortex in RRMS patients and healthy controls. Methods: 51 RRMS patients and 30 healthy controls underwent MRI examination for cortical reconstruction and assessment of corticospinal tract integrity. Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the associations of focal and normal appearing white matter (NAWM) injury of the corticospinal tract with thickness and surface area measures of the primary motor cortex. Relationships between MRI measures and clinical disability as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and disease duration were also investigated. Results: In patients only, decreased cortical thickness was related to increased corticospinal tract NAWM mean, axial and radial diffusivities in addition to corticospinal tract lesion volume. The final multiple linear regression model for PMC thickness retained only NAWM axial diffusivity as a significant predictor (adjusted R2= 0.270, p= 0.001). Clinical measures were associated with NAWM corticospinal tract integrity measures. Conclusions: Primary motor cortex thinning in RRMS is related to alterations in connected white matter and is best explained by decreased NAWM integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Bergsland
- MR Research Laboratory, IRCCS, Don Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milan, Italy/Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo SUNY, USA/Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Tavazzi
- Unit of Motor Neurorehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS, Don Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Caffini
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Tortorella
- Unit of Motor Neurorehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS, Don Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Baglio
- MR Research Laboratory, IRCCS, Don Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Baselli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rovaris
- Unit of Motor Neurorehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, IRCCS, Don Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Milan, Italy
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Zhou F, Zhuang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wu L, Zeng X, Gong H. Disconnection of the hippocampus and amygdala associated with lesion load in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional connectivity study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:1749-65. [PMID: 26229470 PMCID: PMC4514382 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s84602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Little is known about the functional and structural connectivity (FC and SC) of the hippocampus and amygdala, which are two important structures involved in cognitive processes, or their involvement in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In this study, we aimed to examine the connectivity of white-matter (WM) tracts and the synchrony of intrinsic neuronal activity in outer regions connected with the hippocampus or amygdala in RRMS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-three RRMS patients and 23 healthy subjects participated in this study. Diffusion tensor probabilistic tractography was used to examine the SC, the FC correlation coefficient (FC-CC) and combined FC strength (FCS), which was derived from the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging used to examine the FC, of the connection between the hippocampus or the amygdala and other regions, and the correlations of these connections with clinical markers. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, the RRMS patients showed significantly decreased SC and increased FCS of the bilateral hippocampus, and left amygdala. Their slightly increased FC-CC was positively correlated with WM tract damage in the right hippocampus (ρ=0.57, P=0.005); an increased FCS was also positively correlated with WM tract damage in the right amygdala. A relationship was observed between the WM lesion load and SC alterations, including the lg(N tracts) of the right hippocampus (ρ=-0.68, P<0.05), lg(N tracts) (ρ=-0.69, P<0.05), and fractional anisotropy (ρ=-0.68, P<0.05) and radial diffusivity of the left hippocampus (ρ=0.45, P<0.05). A relationship between WM lesion load and FCS of the left amygdale was also observed. CONCLUSION The concurrent increased functional connections and demyelination-related structural disconnectivity between the hippocampus or amygdala and other regions in RRMS suggest that the functional-structural relationships require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China ; Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China ; Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianjun Zeng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China ; Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghan Gong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China ; Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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26
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Eloyan A, Shou H, Shinohara RT, Sweeney EM, Nebel MB, Cuzzocreo JL, Calabresi PA, Reich DS, Lindquist MA, Crainiceanu CM. Health effects of lesion localization in multiple sclerosis: spatial registration and confounding adjustment. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107263. [PMID: 25233361 PMCID: PMC4169434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain lesion localization in multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to be associated with the type and severity of adverse health effects. However, several factors hinder statistical analyses of such associations using large MRI datasets: 1) spatial registration algorithms developed for healthy individuals may be less effective on diseased brains and lead to different spatial distributions of lesions; 2) interpretation of results requires the careful selection of confounders; and 3) most approaches have focused on voxel-wise regression approaches. In this paper, we evaluated the performance of five registration algorithms and observed that conclusions regarding lesion localization can vary substantially with the choice of registration algorithm. Methods for dealing with confounding factors due to differences in disease duration and local lesion volume are introduced. Voxel-wise regression is then extended by the introduction of a metric that measures the distance between a patient-specific lesion mask and the population prevalence map.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Eloyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Haochang Shou
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Russell T Shinohara
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M Sweeney
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America; Translational Neurology Unit, Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mary Beth Nebel
- Laboratory for Neurocognitive and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America; Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L Cuzzocreo
- Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America; Translational Neurology Unit, Neuroimmunology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America; Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America; Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Martin A Lindquist
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ciprian M Crainiceanu
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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27
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Zhou F, Zhuang Y, Gong H, Wang B, Wang X, Chen Q, Wu L, Wan H. Altered inter-subregion connectivity of the default mode network in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a functional and structural connectivity study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101198. [PMID: 24999807 PMCID: PMC4085052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Little is known about the interactions between the default mode network (DMN) subregions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) to examine alterations of long white matter tracts in paired DMN subregions and their functional connectivity in RRMS patients. Methods Twenty-four RRMS patients and 24 healthy subjects participated in this study. The fiber connections derived from DTI tractography and the temporal correlation coefficient derived from rs-fMRI were combined to examine the inter-subregion structural-functional connectivity (SC-FC) within the DMN and its correlations with clinical markers. Results Compared with healthy subjects, the RRMS patients showed the following: 1) significantly decreased SC and increased FC in the pair-wise subregions; 2) two significant correlations in SC-FC coupling patterns, including the positive correlation between slightly increased FC value and long white matter tract damage in the PCC/PCUN-MPFC connection, and the negative correlations between significantly increased FC values and long white matter tract damage in the PCC/PCUN-bilateral mTL connections; 3) SC alterations [log(N track) of the PCC/PCUN-left IPL, RD value of the MPFC-left IPL, FA value of the PCC/PCUN-left mTL connections] correlated with EDSS, increases in the RD value of MPFC-left IPL connection was positively correlated to the MFIS; and decreases in the FA value of PCC/PCUN-right IPL connection was negatively correlated with the PASAT; 4) decreased SC (FA value of the MPFC-left IPL, track volume of the PCC/PCUN-MPFC, and log(N track) of PCC/PCUN-left mTL connections) was positively correlated with brain atrophy. Conclusions In the connections of paired DMN subregions, we observed decreased SC and increased FC in RRMS patients. The relationship between MS-related structural abnormalities and clinical markers suggests that the disruption of this long-distance “inter-subregion” connectivity (white matter) may significantly impact the integrity of the network's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqing Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- * E-mail: (FZ); (HG)
| | - Ying Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Honghan Gong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Province Medical Imaging Research Institute, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- * E-mail: (FZ); (HG)
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui Wan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
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Cook SD, Dhib-Jalbut S, Dowling P, Durelli L, Ford C, Giovannoni G, Halper J, Harris C, Herbert J, Li D, Lincoln JA, Lisak R, Lublin FD, Lucchinetti CF, Moore W, Naismith RT, Oehninger C, Simon J, Sormani MP. Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging as Well as Clinical Disease Activity in the Clinical Classification of Multiple Sclerosis and Assessment of Its Course: A Report from an International CMSC Consensus Conference, March 5-7, 2010. Int J MS Care 2014; 14:105-14. [PMID: 24453741 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073-14.3.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
It has recently been suggested that the Lublin-Reingold clinical classification of multiple sclerosis (MS) be modified to include the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An international consensus conference sponsored by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) was held from March 5 to 7, 2010, to review the available evidence on the need for such modification of the Lublin-Reingold criteria and whether the addition of MRI or other biomarkers might lead to a better understanding of MS pathophysiology and disease course over time. The conference participants concluded that evidence of new MRI gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) T1-weighted lesions and unequivocally new or enlarging T2-weighted lesions (subclinical activity, subclinical relapses) should be added to the clinical classification of MS in distinguishing relapsing inflammatory from progressive forms of the disease. The consensus was that these changes to the classification system would provide more rigorous definitions and categorization of MS course, leading to better insights as to the evolution and treatment of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart D Cook
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Suhayl Dhib-Jalbut
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Peter Dowling
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Luca Durelli
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Corey Ford
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - June Halper
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Colleen Harris
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Joseph Herbert
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - David Li
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - John A Lincoln
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Robert Lisak
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Fred D Lublin
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Claudia F Lucchinetti
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Wayne Moore
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Robert T Naismith
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Carlos Oehninger
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Jack Simon
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA (SDC); Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ (SDJ); VA Medical Center-East Orange, East Orange, NJ, USA (PD); Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Gonzaga Medical School, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy (LD); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA (CF); Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Whitechapel, London, UK (GG); Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ, USA (J Halper); Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (CH); MS Comprehensive Care Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA (J Herbert); MS Clinic, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (DL); MS Research Group, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, USA (JAL); Comprehensive Clinical and Research MS Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA (RL); Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA (FDL); Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA (CFL); Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (WM); Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA (RTN); LACTRIMS and Institute of Neurology, Montevideo, Uruguay (CO); VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA (JS); and Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy (MPS)
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Arun T, Tomassini V, Sbardella E, de Ruiter MB, Matthews L, Leite MI, Gelineau-Morel R, Cavey A, Vergo S, Craner M, Fugger L, Rovira A, Jenkinson M, Palace J. Targeting ASIC1 in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: evidence of neuroprotection with amiloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 136:106-15. [PMID: 23365093 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the main cause for permanent disability in multiple sclerosis. The effect of current immunomodulatory treatments on neurodegeneration is insufficient. Therefore, direct neuroprotection and myeloprotection remain an important therapeutic goal. Targeting acid-sensing ion channel 1 (encoded by the ASIC1 gene), which contributes to the excessive intracellular accumulation of injurious Na(+) and Ca(2+) and is over-expressed in acute multiple sclerosis lesions, appears to be a viable strategy to limit cellular injury that is the substrate of neurodegeneration. While blockade of ASIC1 through amiloride, a potassium sparing diuretic that is currently licensed for hypertension and congestive cardiac failure, showed neuroprotective and myeloprotective effects in experimental models of multiple sclerosis, this strategy remains untested in patients with multiple sclerosis. In this translational study, we tested the neuroprotective effects of amiloride in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. First, we assessed ASIC1 expression in chronic brain lesions from post-mortem of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis to identify the target process for neuroprotection. Second, we tested the neuroprotective effect of amiloride in a cohort of 14 patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging markers of neurodegeneration as outcome measures of neuroprotection. Patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging scans before (pretreatment phase) and during (treatment phase) amiloride treatment for a period of 3 years. Whole-brain volume and tissue integrity were measured with high-resolution T(1)-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging. In chronic brain lesions of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, we demonstrate an increased expression of ASIC1 in axons and an association with injury markers within chronic inactive lesions. In patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, we observed a significant reduction in normalized annual rate of whole-brain volume during the treatment phase, compared with the pretreatment phase (P = 0.018, corrected). Consistent with this reduction, we showed that changes in diffusion indices of tissue damage within major clinically relevant white matter (corpus callosum and corticospinal tract) and deep grey matter (thalamus) structures were significantly reduced during the treatment phase (P = 0.02, corrected). Our results extend evidence of the contribution of ASIC1 to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis and suggest that amiloride may exert neuroprotective effects in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. This pilot study is the first translational study on neuroprotection targeting ASIC1 and supports future randomized controlled trials measuring neuroprotection with amiloride in patients with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarunya Arun
- Division of Clinical Neurology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Datta S, Narayana PA. A comprehensive approach to the segmentation of multichannel three-dimensional MR brain images in multiple sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2013; 2:184-96. [PMID: 24179773 PMCID: PMC3777770 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2012.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Accurate classification and quantification of brain tissues is important for monitoring disease progression, measurement of atrophy, and correlating magnetic resonance (MR) measures with clinical disability. Classification of MR brain images in the presence of lesions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), is particularly challenging. Images obtained with lower resolution often suffer from partial volume averaging leading to false classifications. While partial volume averaging can be reduced by acquiring volumetric images at high resolution, image segmentation and quantification can be technically challenging. In this study, we integrated the brain anatomical knowledge with non-parametric and parametric statistical classifiers for automatically classifying tissues and lesions on high resolution multichannel three-dimensional images acquired on 60 MS brains. The results of automatic lesion segmentation were reviewed by the expert. The agreement between results obtained by the automated analysis and the expert was excellent as assessed by the quantitative metrics, low absolute volume difference percent (36.18 ± 34.90), low average symmetric surface distance (1.64 mm ± 1.30 mm), high true positive rate (84.75 ± 12.69), and low false positive rate (34.10 ± 16.00). The segmented results were also in close agreement with the corrected results as assessed by Bland-Altman and regression analyses. Finally, our lesion segmentation was validated using the MS lesion segmentation grand challenge dataset (MICCAI 2008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Datta
- Corresponding author at: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel.: + 1 713 500 7597; fax: + 1 713 500 7684.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the recent data pertaining to the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing brain and spinal cord involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS). RECENT FINDINGS Using MRI as a tool, investigators have made progress recently in understanding the substrate and mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of focal lesions and diffuse damage in MS. The application of refined MRI sequences has markedly improved the characterization of focal lesions, in particular cortical lesions. Promising improvements have been made to clarify the pathological specificity and sensitivity of MRI techniques by performing combined histopathologic-MRI correlation studies. The use of high-field (3 T) and ultra-high-field (UHF; >3 T) MRI has further facilitated the detection of both gray matter and white matter microstructural damage, and elucidated the topographic relationship of overt damage to venous blood vessels. The development of advanced MRI postprocessing tools has led to additional progress in detecting clinically relevant regional gray matter and white matter damage. SUMMARY MRI continues to play a pivotal role in the investigation of MS. Ongoing advances in MRI technology should further expand the current understanding of pathologic disease mechanisms and improve diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring ability in patients with MS.
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Relevance of brain lesion location to cognition in relapsing multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44826. [PMID: 23144775 PMCID: PMC3489883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between cognition and brain white matter (WM) lesion distribution and frequency in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR MS). METHODS MRI-based T2 lesion probability map (LPM) was used to assess the relevance of brain lesion location for cognitive impairment in a group of 142 consecutive patients with RRMS. Significance of voxelwise analyses was p<0.05, cluster-corrected for multiple comparisons. The Rao Brief Repeatable Battery was administered at the time of brain MRI to categorize the MS population into cognitively preserved (CP) and cognitively impaired (CI). RESULTS Out of 142 RRMS, 106 were classified as CP and 36 as CI. Although the CI group had greater WM lesion volume than the CP group (p = 0.001), T2 lesions tended to be less widespread across the WM. The peak of lesion frequency was almost twice higher in CI (61% in the forceps major) than in CP patients (37% in the posterior corona radiata). The voxelwise analysis confirmed that lesion frequency was higher in CI than in CP patients with significant bilateral clusters in the forceps major and in the splenium of the corpus callosum (p<0.05, corrected). Low scores of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test correlated with higher lesion frequency in these WM regions. CONCLUSIONS Overall these results suggest that in MS patients, areas relevant for cognition lie mostly in the commissural fiber tracts. This supports the notion of a functional (multiple) disconnection between grey matter structures, secondary to damage located in specific WM areas, as one of the most important mechanisms leading to cognitive impairment in MS.
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Wybrecht D, Reuter F, Zaaraoui W, Faivre A, Crespy L, Rico A, Malikova I, Confort-Gouny S, Soulier E, Cozzone PJ, Pelletier J, Ranjeva JP, Audoin B. Voxelwise analysis of conventional magnetic resonance imaging to predict future disability in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2012; 18:1585-91. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458512442991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The ability of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict subsequent physical disability and cognitive deterioration after a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is weak. Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether conventional MRI changes over 1 year could predict cognitive and physical disability 5 years later in CIS. We performed analyses using a global approach (T2 lesion load, number of T2 lesions), but also a topographic approach. Methods: This study included 38 patients with a CIS. At inclusion, 10 out of 38 patients fulfilled the 2010 revised McDonald’s criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) evaluation was performed at baseline, year 1 and year 5, and cognitive evaluation at baseline and year 5. T2-weighted MRI was performed at baseline and year 1. We used voxelwise analysis to analyse the predictive value of lesions location for subsequent disability. Results: Using the global approach, no correlation was found between MRI and clinical data. The occurrence or growth of new lesions in the brainstem was correlated with EDSS changes over the 5 years of follow-up. The occurrence or growth of new lesions in cerebellum, thalami, corpus callosum and frontal lobes over 1 year was correlated with cognitive impairment at 5 years. Conclusion: The assessment of lesion location at the first stage of multiple sclerosis may be of value to predict future clinical disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Wybrecht
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées Sainte Anne, Toulon, France
| | - Françoise Reuter
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Wafaa Zaaraoui
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Faivre
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital d’Instruction des Armées Sainte Anne, Toulon, France
| | - Lydie Crespy
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Rico
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Irina Malikova
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Jean Pelletier
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | | | - Bertrand Audoin
- Aix-Marseille University, CEMEREM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
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Kolind S, Matthews L, Johansen-Berg H, Leite MI, Williams SCR, Deoni S, Palace J. Myelin water imaging reflects clinical variability in multiple sclerosis. Neuroimage 2011; 60:263-70. [PMID: 22155325 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.11.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst MRI is routinely used for the assessment and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, there is poor correspondence between clinical disability in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) patients and conventional MRI markers of disease activity (e.g., number of enhancing lesions). As PPMS patients show diffuse and global myelin loss, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of whole-brain myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging in PPMS. Specifically, we sought to use full-brain analysis techniques to: 1) determine the reproducibility of MWF estimates in PPMS brain; 2) compare MWF values in PPMS brain to healthy controls; and 3) establish the relationship between MWF and clinical disability, regionally and globally throughout the brain. Seventeen PPMS patients and seventeen age-matched controls were imaged using a whole-brain multi-component relaxation imaging technique to measure MWF. Analysis of MWF reduction was performed on three spatial levels: 1) histogram; 2) white matter skeleton; and 3) voxel-wise at the single-subject level. From histogram analysis, PPMS patients had significantly reduced global normal appearing white matter MWF (6%, p=0.04) compared to controls. Focal lesions showed lower MWF values than white matter in controls (61%, p<0.001) and patients (59%, p<0.001). Along the white matter skeleton, MWF was diffusely reduced throughout the PPMS brain, with significant correlations between reduced MWF and increased clinical disability (more severe symptoms), as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, within the corpus callosum and frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital white matter. Correlations with the more specific mental and sensory functional system scores were localized to clinically eloquent locations: reduced MWF was significantly associated with increased mental scores in anterior regions (i.e., frontal lobes and genu of the corpus callosum), and increased sensory scores in more posterior regions closer to the sensory cortex. Individual patient MWF maps were also compared to a normative population atlas, which highlighted areas of statistical difference between the individual patient and the population mean. A significant correlation was found between the volume of significantly reduced MWF and clinical disability (p=0.008, R=0.58). Our results show that clinical disability is reflected in particular regions of cerebral white matter that are consistent between subjects, and illustrates a method to examine tissue alteration throughout the brain of individual patients. These results strongly support the use of MWF imaging to evaluate disease activity in PPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Kolind
- FMRIB Centre, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK.
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Dalton CM, Bodini B, Samson RS, Battaglini M, Fisniku LK, Thompson AJ, Ciccarelli O, Miller DH, Chard DT. Brain lesion location and clinical status 20 years after a diagnosis of clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2011; 18:322-8. [PMID: 21878451 DOI: 10.1177/1352458511420269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to investigate associations between the spatial distribution of brain lesions and clinical outcomes in a cohort of people followed up 20 years after presentation with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS Brain lesion probability maps (LPMs) of T1 and T2 lesions were generated from 74 people who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical assessment a mean of 19.9 years following a CIS. One-tailed t-test statistics were used to compare LPMs between the following groups: clinically definite (CD) MS and those who remained with CIS, with an abnormal MRI; people with MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≤3 and >3; people with relapsing-remitting (RR) and secondary progressive (SP) MS. The probability of each voxel being lesional was analysed adjusting for age and gender using a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS People with CDMS were significantly more likely than those with CIS and abnormal scan 20 years after onset to have T1 and T2 lesions in the corona radiata, optic radiation, and splenium of the corpus callosum (periventricularly) and T2 lesions in the right fronto-occipital fasciculus. People with MS EDSS >3, compared with those with EDSS ≤3, were more likely to have optic radiation and left internal capsule T2 lesions. No significant difference in lesion distribution was noted between RRMS and SPMS. CONCLUSION This work demonstrates that lesion location characteristics are associated with CDMS and disability after long-term follow-up following a CIS. The lack of lesion spatial distribution differences between RRMS and SPMS suggests focal pathology affects similar regions in both subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Dalton
- NMR Research Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, UCL, London, UK.
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Rocca MA, Absinta M, Filippi M. The role of advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques in primary progressive MS. J Neurol 2011; 259:611-21. [PMID: 21814822 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-6195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is characterized by a steady progression of irreversible disability from the onset of the disease. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool to quantify the disease burden in the brain and spinal cord of patients with MS, measures derived from conventional MRI, including T2-visible lesions, gadolinium-enhancing lesions and atrophy, are correlated only weakly with the clinical manifestations of PPMS. On the contrary, advanced MRI techniques are contributing significantly to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the irreversible accumulation of disability in PPMS patients. Data from quantitative MRI studies suggest that the extent and topography of "diffuse" damage in different central nervous system (CNS) compartments (i.e. normal-appearing brain white matter and grey matter and the spinal cord) is associated with the severity of disability in PPMS and can predict subsequent medium-term disease evolution. Functional MRI studies have shown that the impairment of the adaptive capacity of the cortex to limit the clinical consequences of structural CNS damage is yet another factor contributing to the manifestations of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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