MRI only conversion to multiple sclerosis following a clinically isolated syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Using current diagnostic criteria, patients who present with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may develop multiple sclerosis (MS) by subsequently exhibiting dissemination in space and time on clinical (clinically definite (CD) MS) or radiological (MRI) grounds. This study investigated the frequency of radiological without clinical conversion to MS after long term follow-up as this has not previously been defined.

METHODS

Two cohorts who underwent serial clinical and MRI studies from presentation with a CIS and who were followed-up over a mean of 6 and 20 years were investigated. The distribution and formation of lesions visible on brain MRI were assessed using the revised McDonald criteria (2005). Radiologically defined (RD) MS was determined by fulfilment of the MRI but not the CDMS criteria.

RESULTS

105 people were followed-up for 6 years after a CIS, of whom 51% developed CDMS, 15% RDMS and the remainder were classified as still having had a CIS. 70 people were followed-up at 20 years, of whom 61% and 11% had developed CDMS and RDMS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

About 10-15% of CIS patients may develop MS on MRI criteria only, without further clinical events for up to two decades.

Humoral immune response to EBV in multiple sclerosis is associated with disease activity on MRI

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a role in triggering or perpetuating disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

We investigated 100 subjects (50 clinically isolated syndrome [CIS], 25 relapsing-remitting [RR] MS, 25 primary progressive [PP] MS) for 1) evidence of EBV reactivation and 2) disease activity as indicated by serial gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRIs over a 5-year period. EBV DNA in blood was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and EBV serology for anti-Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) immunoglobulin G (IgG), anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG, and anti-EBV IgM. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis, analysis of variance, and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

All subjects had serologic evidence of previous EBV infection, but no lytic reactivation was detected. Significant differences in EBNA-1 IgG titers were found between subgroups, highest in the RRMS cohort compared with PPMS (p < 0.001) and CIS (p < 0.001). Gd-enhancing lesions on MRI correlated with EBNA-1 IgG (r = 0.33, p < 0.001) and EBNA-1:VCA IgG ratio (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). EBNA-1 IgG also correlated with change in T2 lesion volume (r = 0.27, p = 0.044) and Expanded Disability Status Scale score (r = 0.3, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between elevated Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and gadolinium-enhancing lesions suggests an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity. The heightened immune response to EBV in MS is specifically related to EBNA-1 IgG, a marker of the latent phase of the virus. The lack of association between acute viral reactivation in the peripheral blood and Gd(+) lesions suggests a limited role of the former in driving disease activity.

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis can be predicted by imaging early in the disease

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and adds significantly to the burden of the disease. The ability to predict future cognitive impairment from imaging obtained at disease onset has not been investigated.

METHODS

62 patients imaged within 3 months of a clinically isolated syndrome were assessed neuropsychologically 7 years later. Baseline and periodic MRI measures of lesions, atrophy and normal-appearing white and grey matter were regressed against neuropsychological scores to explore the best predictors of cognitive outcome.

RESULTS

28 patients had developed clinically definite MS at follow-up and a further nine met revised McDonald criteria for MS. Deficits in speed of information processing and executive function were the most common abnormalities. Poor performance correlated with high anxiety ratings. Baseline T(1) lesion metrics predicted executive deficits, and new T(2) lesions at the 3-month follow-up predicted slowed information processing. An increase in myo-inositol concentration in normal-appearing white matter over the first 3 years was associated with poor executive function.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI variables obtained at the onset of a clinically isolated syndrome can predict future development of cognitive abnormalities. Our findings may have implications in monitoring and treating patients.

Qualifications sought by employers of health sciences librarians, 1977-1978

A content analysis of health sciences library positions available in 1977-1978, as advertised in the MLA News, presents the professional requirements sought by employers of applicants. Data for 414 advertised positions were coded and are displayed in nine tables. Variables selected from the range of positions advertised include: type of position, years of experience, subject background, Medical Library Association, and on-line experience. Geographic distribution of jobs is also given.