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Kreiter D, Postma AA, Hupperts R, Gerlach O. Hallmarks of spinal cord pathology in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2024; 456:122846. [PMID: 38142540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
A disparity exists between spinal cord and brain involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS), each independently contributing to disability. Underlying differences between brain and cord are not just anatomical in nature (volume, white/grey matter organization, vascularization), but also in barrier functions (differences in function and composition of the blood-spinal cord barrier compared to blood-brain barrier) and possibly in repair mechanisms. Also, immunological phenotypes seem to influence localization of inflammatory activity. Whereas the brain has gained a lot of attention in MS research, the spinal cord lags behind. Advanced imaging techniques and biomarkers are improving and providing us with tools to uncover the mechanisms of spinal cord pathology in MS. In the present review, we elaborate on the underlying anatomical and physiological factors driving differences between brain and cord involvement in MS and review current literature on pathophysiology of spinal cord involvement in MS and the observed differences to brain involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kreiter
- Academic MS Center Zuyd, Department of Neurology, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Alida A Postma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Raymond Hupperts
- Academic MS Center Zuyd, Department of Neurology, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Gerlach
- Academic MS Center Zuyd, Department of Neurology, Zuyderland MC, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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2
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Lauerer M, McGinnis J, Bussas M, El Husseini M, Pongratz V, Engl C, Wuschek A, Berthele A, Riederer I, Kirschke JS, Zimmer C, Hemmer B, Mühlau M. Prognostic value of spinal cord lesion measures in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 95:37-43. [PMID: 37495267 PMCID: PMC10804039 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord (SC) lesions have been associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the relation of whole SC lesion number (SCLN) and volume (SCLV) to the future occurrence and type of confirmed disability accumulation (CDA) remains largely unexplored. METHODS In this monocentric retrospective study, SC lesions were manually delineated. Inclusion criteria were: age between 18 and 60 years, relapsing-remitting MS, disease duration under 2 years and clinical follow-up of 5 years. The first CDA event after baseline, determined by a sustained increase in the Expanded Disability Status Scale over 6 months, was classified as either progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) or relapse-associated worsening (RAW). SCLN and SCLV were compared between different (sub)groups to assess their prospective value. RESULTS 204 patients were included, 148 of which had at least one SC lesion and 59 experienced CDA. Patients without any SC lesions experienced significantly less CDA (OR 5.8, 95% CI 2.1 to 19.8). SCLN and SCLV were closely correlated (rs=0.91, p<0.001) and were both significantly associated with CDA on follow-up (p<0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed this association for patients with PIRA on CDA (34 events, p<0.001 for both SC lesion measures) but not for RAW (25 events, p=0.077 and p=0.22). CONCLUSION Patients without any SC lesions are notably less likely to experience CDA. Both the number and volume of SC lesions on MRI are associated with future accumulation of disability largely independent of relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Lauerer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian McGinnis
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- Institute for AI in Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Bussas
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Malek El Husseini
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Viola Pongratz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Engl
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Wuschek
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Berthele
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabelle Riederer
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University, Munich, Germany
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Ruggieri S, Prosperini L, Petracca M, Logoteta A, Tinelli E, De Giglio L, Ciccarelli O, Gasperini C, Pozzilli C. The added value of spinal cord lesions to disability accrual in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2023; 270:4995-5003. [PMID: 37386292 PMCID: PMC10511608 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11829-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord MRI is not routinely performed for multiple sclerosis (MS) monitoring. Here, we explored whether spinal cord MRI activity offers any added value over brain MRI activity for clinical outcomes prediction in MS. This is a retrospective, monocentric study including 830 MS patients who underwent longitudinal brain and spinal cord MRI [median follow-up 7 years (range: < 1-26)]. According to the presence (or absence) of MRI activity defined as at least one new T2 lesion and/or gadolinium (Gd) enhancing lesion, each scan was classified as: (i) brain MRI negative/spinal cord MRI negative; (ii) brain MRI positive/spinal cord MRI negative; (iii) brain MRI negative/spinal cord MRI positive; (iv) brain MRI positive/spinal cord MRI positive. The relationship between such patterns and clinical outcomes was explored by multivariable regression models. When compared with the presence of brain MRI activity alone: (i) Gd + lesions in the spine alone and both in the brain and in the spinal cord were associated with an increased risk of concomitant relapses (OR = 4.1, 95% CI 2.4-7.1, p < 0.001 and OR = 4.9, 95% CI 4.6-9.1, p < 0.001, respectively); (ii) new T2 lesions at both locations were associated with an increased risk of disability worsening (HR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.1, p = 0.05). Beyond the presence of brain MRI activity, new spinal cord lesions are associated with increased risk of both relapses and disability worsening. In addition, 16.1% of patients presented asymptomatic, isolated spinal cord activity (Gd + lesions). Monitoring MS with spinal cord MRI may allow a more accurate risk stratification and treatment optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Logoteta
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tinelli
- Unit of Neuroradiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Radiology, Neurological Center of Latium, Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Queen Square MS Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Uher T, Adzima A, Srpova B, Noskova L, Maréchal B, Maceski AM, Krasensky J, Stastna D, Andelova M, Novotna K, Vodehnalova K, Motyl J, Friedova L, Lindner J, Ravano V, Burgetova A, Dusek P, Fialova L, Havrdova EK, Horakova D, Kober T, Kuhle J, Vaneckova M. Diagnostic delay of multiple sclerosis: prevalence, determinants and consequences. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1437-1451. [PMID: 37840276 PMCID: PMC10580682 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231197076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis and treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with better outcomes; however, diagnostic delays remain a major problem. OBJECTIVE Describe the prevalence, determinants and consequences of delayed diagnoses. METHODS This single-centre ambispective study analysed 146 adult relapsing-remitting MS patients (2016-2021) for frequency and determinants of diagnostic delays and their associations with clinical, cognitive, imaging and biochemical measures. RESULTS Diagnostic delays were identified in 77 patients (52.7%), including 42 (28.7%) physician-dependent cases and 35 (24.0%) patient-dependent cases. Diagnosis was delayed in 22 (15.1%) patients because of misdiagnosis by a neurologist. A longer diagnostic delay was associated with trends towards greater Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (B = 0.03; p = 0.034) and greater z-score of the blood neurofilament light chain (B = 0.35; p = 0.031) at the time of diagnosis. Compared with patients diagnosed at their first clinical relapse, patients with a history of >1 relapse at diagnosis (n = 63; 43.2%) had a trend towards greater EDSS scores (B = 0.06; p = 0.006) and number of total (B = 0.13; p = 0.040) and periventricular (B = 0.06; p = 0.039) brain lesions. CONCLUSION Diagnostic delays in MS are common, often determined by early misdiagnosis and associated with greater disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Uher
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adrian Adzima
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Srpova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libuse Noskova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bénédicte Maréchal
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthineers International AG, Lausanne, Switzerland/Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland/Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Maleska Maceski
- Departments of Medicine, Biomedicine and Clinical Research, Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Krasensky
- Department of Radiology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Stastna
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Andelova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Novotna
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Vodehnalova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Motyl
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Friedova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Lindner
- Department of Radiology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronica Ravano
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthineers International AG, Lausanne, Switzerland/Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland/Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Burgetova
- Department of Radiology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dusek
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic/Department of Radiology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Fialova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tobias Kober
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthineers International AG, Lausanne, Switzerland/Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland/Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), Departments of Biomedicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Vaneckova
- Department of Radiology, Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic
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Bunul SD. Comparing Clinical and Radiological Features in Familial and Sporadic Multiple Sclerosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e44504. [PMID: 37662512 PMCID: PMC10472085 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the initial presentation, clinical features, disease courses, and radiological parameters between familial multiple sclerosis (fMS) and sporadic multiple sclerosis (sMS) to determine if the two represent distinct clinical entities. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at the Neurology Clinic at Kocaeli University Hospital. Records of 114 fMS and 150 sMS patients, aged 18-65, diagnosed based on either the Poser criteria or the McDonald 2001 criteria were analyzed. Radiological data and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) evaluations were conducted by a specialist neurologist. Variables included age at MS onset, first symptoms, relapses, EDSS scores at diagnosis and last examination, and MRI findings. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 28, Armonk, NY) was utilized for data analysis. Results Both fMS and sMS groups were comparable in age (43.55±12.50 and 42.35±10.61 years, respectively) and gender distribution (females: fMS 71.9%, sMS 71.3%). No significant difference was noted regarding disease onset age (fMS 29.83±10.77, sMS 30.42±9.7). Age of onset, final EDSS, and relapse rate didn't significantly vary among sMS, fMS with first-degree relatives having MS (fMS(1)), and fMS with second or third-degree relatives having MS (fMS(2)). The fMS group showed a significantly higher incidence of initial spinal cord lesions on MRI compared to the sMS group (38.6% vs. 17.3%; p<0.001). Within the fMS group, the presence of spinal cord lesions on initial MRI correlated with a higher relapse rate and elevated initial and final EDSS scores. Conclusion Despite overarching similarities between fMS and sMS, spinal cord lesions' prevalence and implications in fMS may point to a genetic underpinning warranting in-depth exploration.
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Kelly E, Varosanec M, Kosa P, Prchkovska V, Moreno-Dominguez D, Bielekova B. Machine learning-optimized Combinatorial MRI scale (COMRISv2) correlates highly with cognitive and physical disability scales in Multiple Sclerosis patients. FRONTIERS IN RADIOLOGY 2022; 2:1026442. [PMID: 37492667 PMCID: PMC10365117 DOI: 10.3389/fradi.2022.1026442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Composite MRI scales of central nervous system tissue destruction correlate stronger with clinical outcomes than their individual components in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Using machine learning (ML), we previously developed Combinatorial MRI scale (COMRISv1) solely from semi-quantitative (semi-qMRI) biomarkers. Here, we asked how much better COMRISv2 might become with the inclusion of quantitative (qMRI) volumetric features and employment of more powerful ML algorithm. The prospectively acquired MS patients, divided into training (n = 172) and validation (n = 83) cohorts underwent brain MRI imaging and clinical evaluation. Neurological examination was transcribed to NeurEx™ App that automatically computes disability scales. qMRI features were computed by lesion-TOADS algorithm. Modified random forest pipeline selected biomarkers for optimal model(s) in the training cohort. COMRISv2 models validated moderate correlation with cognitive disability [Spearman Rho = 0.674; Lin's concordance coefficient (CCC) = 0.458; p < 0.001] and strong correlations with physical disability (Spearman Rho = 0.830-0.852; CCC = 0.789-0.823; p < 0.001). The NeurEx led to the strongest COMRISv2 model. Addition of qMRI features enhanced performance only of cognitive disability model, likely because semi-qMRI biomarkers measure infratentorial injury with greater accuracy. COMRISv2 models predict most granular clinical scales in MS with remarkable criterion validity, expanding scientific utilization of cohorts with missing clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Kelly
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mihael Varosanec
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter Kosa
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Bibiana Bielekova
- Neuroimmunological Diseases Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Reaction-diffusion models in weighted and directed connectomes. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010507. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Connectomes represent comprehensive descriptions of neural connections in a nervous system to better understand and model central brain function and peripheral processing of afferent and efferent neural signals. Connectomes can be considered as a distinctive and necessary structural component alongside glial, vascular, neurochemical, and metabolic networks of the nervous systems of higher organisms that are required for the control of body functions and interaction with the environment. They are carriers of functional epiphenomena such as planning behavior and cognition, which are based on the processing of highly dynamic neural signaling patterns. In this study, we examine more detailed connectomes with edge weighting and orientation properties, in which reciprocal neuronal connections are also considered. Diffusion processes are a further necessary condition for generating dynamic bioelectric patterns in connectomes. Based on our high-precision connectome data, we investigate different diffusion-reaction models to study the propagation of dynamic concentration patterns in control and lesioned connectomes. Therefore, differential equations for modeling diffusion were combined with well-known reaction terms to allow the use of connection weights, connectivity orientation and spatial distances.
Three reaction-diffusion systems Gray-Scott, Gierer-Meinhardt and Mimura-Murray were investigated. For this purpose, implicit solvers were implemented in a numerically stable reaction-diffusion system within the framework of neuroVIISAS. The implemented reaction-diffusion systems were applied to a subconnectome which shapes the mechanosensitive pathway that is strongly affected in the multiple sclerosis demyelination disease. It was found that demyelination modeling by connectivity weight modulation changes the oscillations of the target region, i.e. the primary somatosensory cortex, of the mechanosensitive pathway.
In conclusion, a new application of reaction-diffusion systems to weighted and directed connectomes has been realized. Because the implementation were performed in the neuroVIISAS framework many possibilities for the study of dynamic reaction-diffusion processes in empirical connectomes as well as specific randomized network models are available now.
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Andelova M, Vodehnalova K, Krasensky J, Hardubejova E, Hrnciarova T, Srpova B, Uher T, Menkyova I, Stastna D, Friedova L, Motyl J, Lizrova Preiningerova J, Kubala Havrdova E, Maréchal B, Fartaria MJ, Kober T, Horakova D, Vaneckova M. Brainstem lesions are associated with diffuse spinal cord involvement in early multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:270. [PMID: 35854235 PMCID: PMC9297663 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early infratentorial and focal spinal cord lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with a higher risk of long-term disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of diffuse spinal cord lesions remains less understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate focal and especially diffuse spinal cord lesions in patients with early relapsing-remitting MS and their association with intracranial lesion topography, global and regional brain volume, and spinal cord volume. Methods We investigated 58 MS patients with short disease duration (< 5 years) from a large academic MS center and 58 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Brain, spinal cord, and intracranial lesion volumes were compared among patients with- and without diffuse spinal cord lesions and controls. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between the volume and topology of intracranial lesions and the presence of focal and diffuse spinal cord lesions. Results We found spinal cord involvement in 75% of the patients (43/58), including diffuse changes in 41.4% (24/58). Patients with diffuse spinal cord changes exhibited higher volumes of brainstem lesion volume (p = 0.008). The presence of at least one brainstem lesion was associated with a higher probability of the presence of diffuse spinal cord lesions (odds ratio 47.1; 95% confidence interval 6.9–321.6 p < 0.001) as opposed to focal spinal cord lesions (odds ratio 0.22; p = 0.320). Patients with diffuse spinal cord lesions had a lower thalamus volume compared to patients without diffuse spinal cord lesions (p = 0.007) or healthy controls (p = 0.002). Conclusions Diffuse spinal cord lesions are associated with the presence of brainstem lesions and with a lower volume of the thalamus. This association was not found in patients with focal spinal cord lesions. If confirmed, thalamic atrophy in patients with diffuse lesions could increase our knowledge on the worse prognosis in patients with infratentorial and SC lesions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02778-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Andelova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Karolina Vodehnalova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Krasensky
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Hardubejova
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hrnciarova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Srpova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Uher
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ingrid Menkyova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic.,2nd Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dominika Stastna
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Friedova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Motyl
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Lizrova Preiningerova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bénédicte Maréchal
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthcare AG, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS 5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mário João Fartaria
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthcare AG, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS 5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kober
- Advanced Clinical Imaging Technology, Siemens Healthcare AG, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS 5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dana Horakova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Katerinska 30, Praha 2, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Manuela Vaneckova
- Department of Radiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Bussas M, El Husseini M, Harabacz L, Pineker V, Grahl S, Pongratz V, Berthele A, Riederer I, Zimmer C, Hemmer B, Kirschke JS, Mühlau M. Multiple sclerosis lesions and atrophy in the spinal cord: Distribution across vertebral levels and correlation with disability. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 34:103006. [PMID: 35468568 PMCID: PMC9059154 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions and atrophy are measurable by whole spinal cord MRI with axial and sagittal coverage in a large patient cohort and in healthy control subjects. Spinal cord lesions and atrophy are accentuated in the cervical enlargement. They have already developed at the stage of RRMS and continue developing in a clinically meaningful way at later stages. Yet they remain largely independent.
Background The vast majority of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) covered the spinal cord (SC), if at all, incompletely. Objective To assess SC involvement in MS, as detectable by whole SC MRI, with regard to distribution across vertebral levels and relation to clinical phenotypes and disability. Methods We investigated SC MRI with sagittal and axial coverage. Analyzed were brain and SC MRI scans of 17 healthy controls (HC) and of 370 patients with either clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, 27), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS, 303) or progressive MS (PMS, 40). Across vertebral levels, cross-sectional areas were semiautomatically segmented, and lesions manually delineated. Results The frequency of SC lesions was highest at the level C3-4. The volume of SC lesions increased from CIS to RRMS, and from RRMS to PMS whereas lesion distribution across SC levels did not differ. SC atrophy was demonstrated in RRMS and, to a higher degree, in PMS; apart from an accentuation at the level C3-4, it was evenly distributed across SC levels. SC lesions and atrophy volume were not correlated with each other and were independently associated with disability. Conclusion SC lesions and atrophy already exist at the stage of RRMS in the whole SC with an accentuation in the cervical enlargement; SC lesions and atrophy are more pronounced in the stage of PMS. Both contribute to the clinical picture but are largely independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bussas
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Malek El Husseini
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Harabacz
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Viktor Pineker
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Grahl
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Viola Pongratz
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Berthele
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabelle Riederer
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Kirschke
- Dept. of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Dept. of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TUM-Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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10
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Mina Y, Azodi S, Dubuche T, Andrada F, Osuorah I, Ohayon J, Cortese I, Wu T, Johnson KR, Reich DS, Nair G, Jacobson S. Cervical and thoracic cord atrophy in multiple sclerosis phenotypes: Quantification and correlation with clinical disability. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 30:102680. [PMID: 34215150 PMCID: PMC8131917 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord atrophy is prevalent across multiple sclerosis phenotypes. It correlates with disability, especially in relapsing-remitting patients. This correlation can be demonstrated both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Cervical atrophy is highly associated with disability and disease progression. Thoracic atrophy contributes to improved correlation and radiological subgrouping.
Objective We sought to characterize spinal cord atrophy along the entire spinal cord in the major multiple sclerosis (MS) phenotypes, and evaluate its correlation with clinical disability. Methods Axial T1-weighted images were automatically reformatted at each point along the cord. Spinal cord cross‐sectional area (SCCSA) were calculated from C1-T10 vertebral body levels and profile plots were compared across phenotypes. Average values from C2-3, C4-5, and T4-9 regions were compared across phenotypes and correlated with clinical scores, and then categorized as atrophic/normal based on z-scores derived from controls, to compare clinical scores between subgroups. In a subset of relapsing-remitting cases with longitudinal scans these regions were compared to change in clinical scores. Results The cross-sectional study consisted of 149 adults diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 49 with secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), 58 with primary-progressive MS (PPMS) and 48 controls. The longitudinal study included 78 RRMS cases. Compared to controls, all MS groups had smaller average regions except RRMS in T4-9 region. In all MS groups, SCCSA from all regions, particularly the cervical cord, correlated with most clinical measures. In the RRMS cohort, 22% of cases had at least one atrophic region, whereas in progressive MS the rate was almost 70%. Longitudinal analysis showed correlation between clinical disability and cervical cord thinning. Conclusions Spinal cord atrophy was prevalent across MS phenotypes, with regional measures from the RRMS cohort and the progressive cohort, including SPMS and PPMS, being correlated with disability. Longitudinal changes in the spinal cord were documented in RRMS cases, making it a potential marker for disease progression. While cervical SCCSA correlated with most disability and progression measures, inclusion of thoracic measurements improved this correlation and allowed for better subgrouping of spinal cord phenotypes. Cord atrophy is an important and easily obtainable imaging marker of clinical and sub-clinical progression in all MS phenotypes, and such measures can play a key role in patient selection for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Mina
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shila Azodi
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tsemacha Dubuche
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Frances Andrada
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ikesinachi Osuorah
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joan Ohayon
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Irene Cortese
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tianxia Wu
- Clinical Trials Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kory R Johnson
- Bioinformatics Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Govind Nair
- Neuroimmunology Clinic, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Quantitative MRI Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Steven Jacobson
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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11
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Sucksdorff M, Matilainen M, Tuisku J, Polvinen E, Vuorimaa A, Rokka J, Nylund M, Rissanen E, Airas L. Brain TSPO-PET predicts later disease progression independent of relapses in multiple sclerosis. Brain 2021; 143:3318-3330. [PMID: 33006604 PMCID: PMC7719021 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of microglia is associated with most neurodegenerative diseases. In this study we examined whether PET-measurable innate immune cell activation predicts multiple sclerosis disease progression. Activation of microglia/macrophages was measured using the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO)-binding radioligand 11C-PK11195 and PET imaging in 69 patients with multiple sclerosis and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Radioligand binding was evaluated as the distribution volume ratio from dynamic PET images. Conventional MRI and disability measurements using the Expanded Disability Status Scale were performed for patients at baseline and 4.1 ± 1.9 (mean ± standard deviation) years later. Fifty-one (74%) of the patients were free of relapses during the follow-up period. Patients had increased activation of innate immune cells in the normal-appearing white matter and in the thalamus compared to the healthy control group (P = 0.033 and P = 0.003, respectively, Wilcoxon). Forward-type stepwise logistic regression was used to assess the best variables predicting disease progression. Baseline innate immune cell activation in the normal-appearing white matter was a significant predictor of later progression when the entire multiple sclerosis cohort was assessed [odds ratio (OR) = 4.26; P = 0.048]. In the patient subgroup free of relapses there was an association between macrophage/microglia activation in the perilesional normal-appearing white matter and disease progression (OR = 4.57; P = 0.013). None of the conventional MRI parameters measured at baseline associated with later progression. Our results strongly suggest that innate immune cell activation contributes to the diffuse neural damage leading to multiple sclerosis disease progression independent of relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Sucksdorff
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Markus Matilainen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jouni Tuisku
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Polvinen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anna Vuorimaa
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Rokka
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marjo Nylund
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Rissanen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Airas
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital, and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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12
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Chitturi J, Sanganahalli BG, Herman P, Hyder F, Ni L, Elkabes S, Heary R, Kannurpatti SS. Association Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Spinal Morphometry and Sensorimotor Behavior in a Hemicontusion Model of Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Brain Connect 2020; 10:479-489. [PMID: 32981350 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2020.0812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Structural connectivity in the reorganizing spinal cord after injury dictates functional connectivity and hence the neurological outcome. As magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based structural parameters are mostly accessible across spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, we studied MRI-based spinal morphological changes and their relationship to neurological outcome in the rat model of cervical SCI. Introduction: Functional connectivity assessments on patients with SCI rely heavily on MRI-based approaches to investigate the complete neural axis (both spinal cord and brain). Hence, underlying MRI-based structural and morphometric changes in the reorganizing spinal cord and their relationship to neurological outcomes is crucial for meaningful interpretation of functional connectivity changes across the neural axis. Methods: Young adult rats, aged 1.5 months, underwent a precise mechanical impact hemicontusion incomplete cervical SCI at the C4/C5 level, after which sensorimotor behavioral assessments were tracked during the reorganization period of 1-6 weeks, followed by MRI of the cervical spinal cord at 8 weeks after SCI. Results: A significant ipsilesional forelimb motor debilitation was observed from 1 to 6 weeks after injury. Heat sensitivity testing (Hargreaves) showed ipsilesional forelimb hypersensitivity at 5 and 6 weeks after SCI. MRI of the cervical spine showed ipsilateral T1- and T2-weighted lesions across all SCI rats compared with no significant lesions in sham rats. Morphometric assessments of the lesional and nonlesional changes showed the diverse nature of their interindividual variability in the SCI receiving rats. While the various T1 and T2 MRI lesional volumes associated weakly or moderately with neurological outcome, the nonlesional spinal morphometric changes associated much more strongly. The results have important implications for interpreting functional MRI-based functional connectivity after SCI by providing vital underlying structural changes and their relative neurological impact. Impact statement Functional connectivity assessments on patients with SCI relies heavily upon MRI based approaches. Hence, underlying MRI based structural and morphometric changes in the reorganizing spinal cord and its relationship to neurological outcomes is vital for meaningful interpretation of functional connectivity changes across the complete neural axis (both spinal cord and the brain).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothsna Chitturi
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Basavaraju G Sanganahalli
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Quantitative Neuroscience with Magnetic Resonance (QNMR) Core Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter Herman
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Quantitative Neuroscience with Magnetic Resonance (QNMR) Core Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Quantitative Neuroscience with Magnetic Resonance (QNMR) Core Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Li Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stella Elkabes
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Robert Heary
- Hackensack University School of Medicine, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sridhar S Kannurpatti
- Department of Radiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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13
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Kuchling J, Paul F. Visualizing the Central Nervous System: Imaging Tools for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurol 2020; 11:450. [PMID: 32625158 PMCID: PMC7311777 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune central nervous system conditions with increasing incidence and prevalence. While MS is the most frequent inflammatory CNS disorder in young adults, NMOSD is a rare disease, that is pathogenetically distinct from MS, and accounts for approximately 1% of demyelinating disorders, with the relative proportion within the demyelinating CNS diseases varying widely among different races and regions. Most immunomodulatory drugs used in MS are inefficacious or even harmful in NMOSD, emphasizing the need for a timely and accurate diagnosis and distinction from MS. Despite distinct immunopathology and differences in disease course and severity there might be considerable overlap in clinical and imaging findings, posing a diagnostic challenge for managing neurologists. Differential diagnosis is facilitated by positive serology for AQP4-antibodies (AQP4-ab) in NMOSD, but might be difficult in seronegative cases. Imaging of the brain, optic nerve, retina and spinal cord is of paramount importance when managing patients with autoimmune CNS conditions. Once a diagnosis has been established, imaging techniques are often deployed at regular intervals over the disease course as surrogate measures for disease activity and progression and to surveil treatment effects. While the application of some imaging modalities for monitoring of disease course was established decades ago in MS, the situation is unclear in NMOSD where work on longitudinal imaging findings and their association with clinical disability is scant. Moreover, as long-term disability is mostly attack-related in NMOSD and does not stem from insidious progression as in MS, regular follow-up imaging might not be useful in the absence of clinical events. However, with accumulating evidence for covert tissue alteration in NMOSD and with the advent of approved immunotherapies the role of imaging in the management of NMOSD may be reconsidered. By contrast, MS management still faces the challenge of implementing imaging techniques that are capable of monitoring progressive tissue loss in clinical trials and cohort studies into treatment algorithms for individual patients. This article reviews the current status of imaging research in MS and NMOSD with an emphasis on emerging modalities that have the potential to be implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kuchling
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Rocca MA, Preziosa P, Filippi M. What role should spinal cord MRI take in the future of multiple sclerosis surveillance? Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:783-797. [PMID: 32133874 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1739524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative phenomena affect the spinal cord, with detrimental effects on patients' clinical disability. Although spinal cord imaging may be challenging, improvements in MRI technologies have contributed to better evaluate spinal cord involvement in MS. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the current state-of-art of the application of conventional and advanced MRI techniques to evaluate spinal cord damage in MS. Typical features of spinal cord lesions, their role in the diagnostic work-up of suspected MS, their predictive role for subsequent disease course and clinical worsening, and their utility to define treatment response are discussed. The role of spinal cord atrophy and of other advanced MRI techniques to better evaluate the associations between spinal cord abnormalities and the accumulation of clinical disability are also evaluated. Finally, how spinal cord assessment could evolve in the future to improve monitoring of disease progression and treatment effects is examined. EXPERT OPINION Spinal cord MRI provides relevant additional information to brain MRI in understanding MS pathophysiology, in allowing an earlier and more accurate diagnosis of MS, and in identifying MS patients at higher risk to develop more severe disability. A future role in monitoring the effects of treatments is also foreseen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy.,Neurophysiology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute , Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan, Italy
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