Deep grey matter MRI abnormalities and cognitive function in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 234 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laëtitia Debernard ◽  
Tracy R. Melzer ◽  
Sridhar Alla ◽  
Jane Eagle ◽  
Saskia Van Stockum ◽  
...  
2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Audoin ◽  
G. Davies ◽  
W. Rashid ◽  
L. Fisniku ◽  
A.J. Thompson ◽  
...  

Previous studies using magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) histogram analysis have demonstrated the existence of global grey matter (GM) abnormalities in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). However, MTR histogram analysis does not provide any information on the localization of the morphological changes within the GM. The aim of this study was to investigate the localization of GM injury in early RRMS, performing voxel-based analysis of GM MTR maps. Statistical mapping analysis of GM MTR maps was performed in a group of 38 patients with early RRMS and 45 healthy controls. Between-group comparisons (P<0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons) demonstrated significant GM MTR decrease in patients located in the bilateral lenticular nuclei, the bilateral insula, the left posterior cingulate cortex, and the right orbitofrontal cortex. To limit the potential confounding effect of regional GM atrophy, the percentages of GM were assessed in the regions showing significant MTR decrease, and no GM atrophy was evidenced in these regions. This study demonstrates that several GM regions are commonly affected in patients with early RRMS. Predominant involvement of these structures may be partly related to their vulnerability to anterograde or retrograde degeneration from transected axons in the white matter and/or to the predominant localization of GM demyelinating lesions in such regions. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 483-489. http://msj.sagepub.com


2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Prinster ◽  
M. Quarantelli ◽  
R. Lanzillo ◽  
G. Orefice ◽  
G. Vacca ◽  
...  

Previous studies have shown a preferential loss of grey matter in fronto-temporal regions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Studies of correlates of disease severity are more controversial, because some studies have suggested an association between sensorimotor cortex atrophy and Expanded Disability Status Scale score, while others did not find such a correlation. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of regional loss of grey matter and white matter with indexes of clinical and radiological severity in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis, including the Expanded Disability Status Scale and lesion load. Correlations between Expanded Disability Status Scale, lesion load and disease duration were assessed in 128 patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale range 1.0—6.0) using optimized voxel-based morphometry. Bilateral loss of grey matter in sensorimotor cortices was correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale, and tissue loss also involved adjacent white matter, extending along pyramidal tracts to the brainstem. Increasing lesion load was correlated with loss of deep grey matter and white matter. No specific region of grey matter or white matter showed a significant correlation with disease duration. These findings support the hypothesis that motor neuron involvement plays a major role in the progression of physical disability. Lesion load accrual affects mainly highly interconnected subcortical structures, while disease duration has a less significant impact on brain atrophy, probably owing to the inter-subject heterogeneity of the clinical course of the disease.


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