Cognitive impairment is associated with subcortical magnetic resonance imaging grey matter T2 hypointensity in multiple sclerosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
S D Brass ◽  
R HB Benedict ◽  
B Weinstock-Guttman ◽  
F Munschauer ◽  
R Bakshi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Globus Pallidus ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Iron Deposition ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Resonance Imaging

Grey matter hypointensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, suggesting iron deposition, has been described in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is related to physical disability, disease course and brain atrophy. We tested the hypothesis that subcortical grey matter T2 hypointensity is related to cognitive impairment after adjusting for the effect of MRI lesion and atrophy measures. We studied 33 patients with MS and 14 healthy controls. Normalized T2 signal intensity in the caudate, putamen, globus pallidus and thalamus, total brain T1-hypointense lesion volume (T1LV), fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery-hyperintense lesion volume (FLLV) and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) were obtained quantitatively. A neuropsychological composite score (NCS) encompassed new learning, attention, working memory, spatial processing and executive function. In each of the regions of interest, the normalized T2 intensity was lower in the MS versus control group (all P <0.001). Regression modelling tested the relative association between all MRI variables and NCS. Globus pallidus T2 hypointensity was the only variable selected in the final model ( R2 = 0.301, P = 0.007). Pearson correlations between MRI and NCS were T1LV: r = -0.319; FLLV: r = -0.347; BPF: r = 0.374; T2 hypointensity of the caudate: r = 0.305; globus pallidus: r = 0.395; putamen: r = 0.321; and thalamus: r = 0.265. Basal ganglia T2 hypointensity and BPF demonstrated the strongest associations with cognitive impairment on individual cognitive subtests. Subcortical grey matter T2 hypointensity is related to cognitive impairment in MS, supporting the clinical relevance of T2 hypointensity as a biological marker of MS tissue damage. These data implicate a role for basal ganglia iron deposition in neuropsychological dysfunction.

Regional hippocampal involvement and cognitive impairment in pediatric multiple sclerosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 628-640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A Rocca ◽  
Maria E Morelli ◽  
Maria P Amato ◽  
Lucia Moiola ◽  
Angelo Ghezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Dentate Gyrus ◽  
Hippocampal Volume ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis

Objectives: We assessed global and regional hippocampal volume abnormalities in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their correlations with clinical, neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging metrics. Methods: From 53 pediatric MS patients and 18 healthy controls, global hippocampal volume was computed using a manual tracing procedure. Regional hippocampal volume modifications were assessed using a radial mapping analysis. MS patients with abnormal performance in three or more tests of a neuropsychological battery for children were classified as cognitively impaired. Results: Global hippocampal volume was reduced in MS patients compared with controls, but did not correlate with clinical, neuropsychological and magnetic resonance imaging measures. Compared to controls, MS patients experienced bilateral radial atrophy of the cornu ammonis, subiculum and dentate gyrus subfields as well as radial hypertrophy of the dentate gyrus subfield. Regional hippocampal volume modifications correlated with brain T2 lesion volume as well as attention and language abilities. Global hippocampal volume did not differ between cognitively impaired ( n=12) and cognitively preserved MS patients. Compared to cognitively preserved, cognitively impaired MS patients had atrophy of the subiculum and dentate gyrus subfields of the right hippocampus. Conclusions: Hippocampal subregions have different vulnerability to damage in pediatric MS. Regional rather than global hippocampal involvement contributes to global cognitive impairment as well as to deficits of selected cognitive tests.

Conventional and Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Christopher R Tench ◽  
Cris S Constantinescu ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Quantitative Mri ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Conventional Mri

An estimated 30–70% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have some cognitive impairment. Cognitive function depends on a spectrum of faculties including information processing speed, sustained attention, recent memory and executive function. The broad definition of cognition has resulted in different assessments of function, and repeatable batteries of tests have been devised to gain an overall and repeatable view of cognition in MS. Many studies have attempted to find an association between cognitive function and MS pathology using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Conventional MRI has been used to show the relationship between cognitive impairment and MS lesion volume and/or brain volume (reflecting atrophy). Studies using quantitative MRI to estimate the degree of abnormality in tissue that is normal-appearing on conventional MRI have also found correlations with cognitive function. Longitudinally, cognitive decline has been found to correlate with changing MRI-detectable pathology in some studies. However, consistency between studies has been lacking, and the large number of cognitive tests available makes direct comparison of different studies difficult. Focus on specific cognitive domains may alleviate this issue in future studies.

scholarly journals Novel fMRI working memory paradigm accurately detects cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 836-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Nelson ◽  
Mohammad A Akhtar ◽  
Edward Zúñiga ◽  
Carlos A Perez ◽  
Khader M Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Bold Signal ◽  
Resonance Imaging

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) cannot be diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigms, such as the immediate/delayed memory task (I/DMT), detect varying degrees of working memory (WM). Preliminary findings using I/DMT showed differences in blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activation between impaired (MSCI, n = 12) and non-impaired (MSNI, n = 9) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Objectives: The aim of the study was to confirm CI detection based on I/DMT BOLD activation in a larger cohort of MS patients. The role of T2 lesion volume (LV) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in magnitude of BOLD signal was also sought. Methods: A total of 50 patients (EDSS mean ( m) = 3.2, disease duration (DD) m = 12 years, and age m = 40 years) underwent the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) and I/DMT. Working memory activation (WMa) represents BOLD signal during DMT minus signal during IMT. CI was based on MACFIMS. Results: A total of 10 MSNI, 30 MSCI, and 4 borderline patients were included in the analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed MSNI had significantly greater WMa than MSCI, in the left prefrontal cortex and left supplementary motor area ( p = 0.032). Regression analysis showed significant inverse correlations between WMa and T2 LV/EDSS in similar areas ( p = 0.005, 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: I/DMT-based BOLD activation detects CI in MS. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Multiple Sclerosis and Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 39-41
Author(s):  
Cristina Valencia-Sanchez ◽  
Jonathan L. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
The Past ◽  
Demyelinating Lesions

A 60-year-old woman with a history of multiple sclerosis was evaluated for cognitive concerns. At age 30 years she had an episode of optic neuritis, followed by an episode of bilateral lower extremity numbness at age 35 years. In the following years, she had at least 6 further multiple sclerosis relapses, the last one approximately 3 years before the current presentation. She was initially treated with interferon, but she did not tolerate it. She had been taking glatiramer acetate for the past 3 years. She had noticed progressive deterioration of her gait for the past 3 years, having to use a cane on occasions. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multiple demyelinating lesions), and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed 1 small demyelinating lesion at C6. Vitamin B12 level and thyroid function were normal. Comprehensive neuropsychological testing showed multidomain cognitive impairment, mainly impairment of speed of information processing, spatial discrimination skills, and attention/concentration. The patient’s multiple sclerosis phenotype was consistent with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Her cognitive impairment profile, mainly affecting information processing speed and disinhibition suggestive of frontal dysfunction, was consistent with multiple sclerosis. The patient began a cognitive rehabilitation program, and learning and memory aids were recommended. Lifestyle changes were also recommended, including weight loss and physical exercise. She was given recommendations for sleep hygiene and began taking gabapentin for neuropathic pain and restless legs. Cognitive impairment is common in patients with multiple sclerosis. Slowed cognitive processing speed and episodic memory decline are the most common cognitive deficits in MS, with additional difficulties in executive function, verbal fluency, and visuospatial analysis.

scholarly journals Brain atrophy and employment in multiple sclerosis patients: a 10-year follow-up study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 205521732090248
Author(s):  
Cecilie Jacobsen ◽  
Robert Zivadinov ◽  
Kjell-Morten Myhr ◽  
Turi O Dalaker ◽  
Ingvild Dalen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cortical Volume ◽  
Deep Grey Matter ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
The Unemployed

Background Multiple sclerosis is often associated with unemployment. The contribution of grey matter atrophy to unemployment is unclear. Objectives To identify magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of grey matter and clinical symptoms associated with unemployment in multiple sclerosis patients. Methods Demographic, clinical data and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected in 81 patients at the time of inclusion and after 5 and 10 years. Global and tissue-specific volumes were calculated at each time point. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed linear model. Results At baseline 31 (38%) of the patients were unemployed, at 5-year follow-up 44 (59%) and at 10-year follow-up 34 (81%) were unemployed. The unemployed patients had significantly lower subcortical deep grey matter volume ( P < 0.001), specifically thalamus, pallidus, putamen and hippocampal volumes, and cortical volume ( P = 0.011); and significantly greater T1 ( P < 0.001)/T2 ( P < 0.001) lesion volume than the employed patient group at baseline. Subcortical deep grey matter volumes, and to a lesser degree cortical volume, were significantly associated with unemployment throughout the follow-up. Conclusion We found significantly greater atrophy of subcortical deep grey matter and cortical volume at baseline and during follow-up in the unemployed patient group. Atrophy of subcortical deep grey matter showed a stronger association to unemployment than atrophy of cortical volume during the follow-up.

Microglial imaging with positron emission tomography and atrophy measurements with magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis: a correlative study

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Versijpt ◽  
J C Debruyne ◽  
K J Van Laere ◽  
F De Vos ◽  
J Keppens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Brain Atrophy ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Normal Appearing White Matter

Objective: The objectives of the present study were to assess brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients during different disease stages and to investigate by PET and [11C]PK11195, a marker of microglial activation, the relationship between inflammation, atrophy and clinically relevant measures. Methods: Eight healthy subjects and 22 MS patients were included. Semiquantitative [11C]PK11195 uptake values, with normalization on cortical grey matter, were measured for magnetic resonance imaging T2- and T1-lesions and normal appearing white matter (NAWM). As atrophy index we used the ratio of the amount of white and grey matter divided by the ventricular size, using an optimized a priori based segmentation algorithm (SPM99). Results: Atrophy was significantly greater in MS patients compared to age-matched controls. A significant correlation was found between brain atrophy and both disease duration and disability, as measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale. For NAWM, [11C]PK11195 uptake increased with the amount of atrophy, while T2-lesional [11C]PK11195 uptake values decreased according to increasing brain atrophy. Conclusions: The present study suggests that brain atrophy, correlating with disease duration and disability, is directly related to NAWM and T2-lesional inflammation as measured by microglial activation.

Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging in very early onset pediatric multiple sclerosis

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 620-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Rocca ◽  
M Sonkin ◽  
M Copetti ◽  
E Pagani ◽  
DL Arnold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Mean Diffusivity ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Active myelination during childhood may influence the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on brain structural integrity. We studied normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in children with MS onset before age 12 years using diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: DT MRI scans were obtained from 22 MS children with their first attack before age 12 years, and 31 healthy controls from two referral centers. Using probabilistic tractography, brain tissue integrity within interhemispheric, intrahemispheric, and projection tracts was compared between patients and site-matched controls. The impact of disease and age at MRI on tract NAWM fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values was evaluated using linear models. Results: Compared to controls, pediatric MS patients had reduced FA and increased MD of the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum (CC), without center-by-group interaction. CC NAWM average FA was correlated with brain T2 lesion volume. In controls, the majority of the tracts analyzed showed a significant increase of FA and decrease of MD with age. Such a linear correlation was lost in patients. Conclusions: In very young pediatric MS patients, DT MRI abnormalities affect brain WM tracts differentially, and are only partially correlated with focal WM lesions. Impaired maturation of WM tracts with age may be an additional factor contributing to these findings.

Deep grey matter `black T2` on 3 tesla magnetic resonance imaging correlates with disability in multiple sclerosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 880-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Zhang ◽  
RK Zabad ◽  
X. Wei ◽  
LM Metz ◽  
MD Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Caudate Nucleus ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Grey Matter ◽  
Expanded Disability Status Scale ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Deep Grey Matter

T2 hypointensity (black T2, BT2) in the deep grey matter of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients correlate weakly with disability at 1.5 T. BT2 is likely to be caused by abnormal iron deposition. We compared the correlation between disability and deep grey matter BT2 measured on 3 T MRI and on 1.5 T MRI in 17 MS patients. We observed a significant correlation between expanded disability status scale and signal intensity on 3 T MRI in the globus pallidus and the caudate nucleus ( r = —0.5, P < 0.05). BT2 at 3 T may be a useful MRI measure associated with disability in MS and warrants further study. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 880—883. http://msj.sagepub.com

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