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Ferraro PM, Jester C, Olm CA, Placek K, Agosta F, Elman L, McCluskey L, Irwin DJ, Detre JA, Filippi M, Grossman M, McMillan CT. Perfusion alterations converge with patterns of pathological spread in transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 proteinopathies. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 68:85-92. [PMID: 29751289 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) commonly share the presence of transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) inclusions. Structural magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated evidence for TDP-43 pathology spread, but while structural imaging usually reveals overt neuronal loss, perfusion imaging may detect more subtle neural activity alterations. We evaluated perfusion as an early marker for incipient pathology-associated brain alterations in TDP-43 proteinopathies. Cortical thickness (CT) and perfusion measurements were obtained in ALS (N = 18), pathologically and/or genetically confirmed bvFTD-TDP (N = 12), and healthy controls (N = 33). bvFTD showed reduced frontotemporal CT, hypoperfusion encompassing orbitofrontal and temporal cortices, and hyperperfusion in motor and occipital regions. ALS did not show reduced CT, but exhibited hypoperfusion in motor and temporal regions, and hyperperfusion in frontal and occipital cortices. Frontotemporal hypoperfusion and reduced CT correlated with cognitive and behavioral impairments as investigated using Mini-Mental State Examination and Philadelphia Brief Assessment of Cognition in bvFTD, and hypoperfusion in motor regions correlated with motor disability as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised in ALS. Hypoperfusion marked early pathologically involved regions, while hyperperfusion characterized regions of late pathological involvement. Distinct perfusion patterns may provide early markers of pathology distribution in TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar M Ferraro
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Charles Jester
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher A Olm
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Radiology, Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katerina Placek
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Lauren Elman
- Penn Comprehensive ALS Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leo McCluskey
- Penn Comprehensive ALS Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David J Irwin
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A Detre
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Radiology, Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Murray Grossman
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Corey T McMillan
- Department of Neurology, Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Agosta F, Spinelli EG, Filippi M. Neuroimaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current and emerging uses. Expert Rev Neurother 2018; 18:395-406. [PMID: 29630421 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2018.1463160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several neuroimaging techniques have been used to define in vivo markers of pathological alterations underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Growing evidence supports the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) for the non-invasive detection of central nervous system involvement in patients with ALS. Areas covered: A comprehensive overview of structural and functional neuroimaging applications in ALS is provided, focusing on motor and extra-motor involvement in the brain and the spinal cord. Implications for pathogenetic models, patient diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and the design of clinical trials are discussed. Expert commentary: State-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques provide fundamental instruments for the detection and quantification of upper motor neuron and extra-motor brain involvement in ALS, with relevance for both pathophysiologic investigation and clinical practice. Network-based analysis of structural and functional connectivity alterations and multimodal approaches combining several neuroimaging measures are promising tools for the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic markers to be used at the individual patient level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Agosta
- a Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience , San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- a Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience , San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,b Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience , San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- a Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience , San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Milan , Italy.,b 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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Machts J, Cardenas-Blanco A, Acosta-Cabronero J, Kaufmann J, Loewe K, Kasper E, Schuster C, Prudlo J, Vielhaber S, Nestor PJ. Prefrontal cortical thickness in motor neuron disease. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 18:648-655. [PMID: 29876256 PMCID: PMC5987868 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective To examine whether the distribution of prefrontal cortical thickness in patients with motor neuron disease is normal or bimodal and how it compares to the normal population. Methods 158 patients with motor neuron disease (MND) and 86 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in a prospective, two-center study with a common structural MRI protocol. Cortical thickness measures were extracted for the prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, motor cortex, and occipital cortex using FreeSurfer, adjusted for age and sex, and tested for normality of distribution. Results Cortical thickness measures of the bilateral prefrontal, premotor, motor, and occipital cortex were normally distributed in patients and healthy controls. MND-related cortical thinning was observed in the right motor cortex (p = 0.002), reflected in a significantly higher proportion of MND cases being worse than −1 standard deviation of the healthy control mean: 29.1% in the right motor cortex (p = 0.002). Cortical thinning of the left motor cortex was a function of clinical phenotype and physical disability. Left prefrontal cortical thickness was reduced in patients with additional cognitive and/or behavioural deficits compared to MND patients without cognitive deficits. Prefrontal, premotor, motor, and occipital cortical thickness was related to patients' general cognitive abilities. Conclusion The study shows that prefrontal cortical thickness in MND is normally distributed but shifted towards thinner cortex in MND patients with cognitive and/or behavioural impairment. The distribution of thickness values did not indicate the assumption of a bimodal distribution although patients with comorbid cognitive deficits are more likely to suffer from prefrontal cortical thinning. There is an increased prevalence of prefrontal cortical thinning in MND patients with cognitive and/or behavioural impairment. Distribution of thickness values among different MND subgroups appear unimodal. Thinning is dependent of clinical phenotype, disease severity, and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Machts
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Arturo Cardenas-Blanco
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Julio Acosta-Cabronero
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Joern Kaufmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kristian Loewe
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Department of Computer Science, Otto-von-Guericke University, Universitaetsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kasper
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christina Schuster
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nestor
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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Agosta F, Spinelli EG, Marjanovic IV, Stevic Z, Pagani E, Valsasina P, Salak-Djokic B, Jankovic M, Lavrnic D, Kostic VS, Filippi M. Unraveling ALS due to SOD1 mutation through the combination of brain and cervical cord MRI. Neurology 2018; 90:e707-e716. [PMID: 29367447 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore structural and functional changes of the brain and cervical cord in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to mutation in the superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene compared with sporadic ALS. METHODS Twenty patients with SOD1 ALS, 11 with sporadic ALS, and 33 healthy controls underwent clinical evaluation and brain MRI. Cortical thickness analysis, diffusion tensor MRI of the corticospinal tracts (CST) and corpus callosum, and resting-state functional connectivity were performed. Patients with ALS also underwent cervical cord MRI to evaluate cord cross-sectional area and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). RESULTS Patients with SOD1 ALS showed longer disease duration and slower rate of functional decline relative to those with sporadic ALS. No cortical thickness abnormalities were found in patients with ALS compared with controls. Fractional anisotropy showed that sporadic ALS patients had significant CST damage relative to both healthy controls (p = 0.001-0.02) and SOD1-related ALS (p = 0.05), although the latter showed alterations that were intermediate between controls and sporadic ALS. Functional hyperconnectivity of the motor cortex in the sensorimotor network was observed in patients with sporadic ALS relative to controls. Conversely, patients with SOD1 ALS showed lower cord cross-sectional area along the whole cervical cord relative to those with sporadic ALS (p < 0.001). No cord MTR differences were found between patient groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SOD1 ALS showed cervical cord atrophy relative to those with sporadic ALS and a relative preservation of brain motor structural and functional networks. Neurodegeneration in SOD1 ALS is likely to occur primarily in the spinal cord. An objective and accurate estimate of spinal cord damage has potential in the future assessment of preventive SOD1 ALS therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Agosta
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan V Marjanovic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Stevic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Paola Valsasina
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Biljana Salak-Djokic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Jankovic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Lavrnic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir S Kostic
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Massimo Filippi
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (F.A., E.G.S., E.P., P.V., M.F.) and Department of Neurology (M.F.), Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; and Clinic of Neurology (I.V.M., Z.S., B.S.-D., M.J., D.L., V.S.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
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Low signal intensity in motor cortex on susceptibility-weighted MR imaging is correlated with clinical signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a pilot study. J Neurol 2018; 265:552-561. [PMID: 29356968 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is no reliable objective indicator for upper motor neuron dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To determine the clinical significance and potential utility of magnetic resonance (MR) signals, we investigated the relationship between clinical symptoms and susceptibility changes in the motor cortex measured using susceptibility-weighted MR imaging taken by readily available 3-T MRI in clinical practice. Twenty-four ALS patients and 14 control subjects underwent 3-T MR T1-weighted imaging and susceptibility-weighted MR imaging with the principles of echo-shifting with a train of observations (PRESTO) sequence. We analysed relationships between relative susceptibility changes in the motor cortex assessed using voxel-based analysis (VBA) and clinical scores, including upper motor neuron score, ALS functional rating scale revised score, and Medical Research Council sum score on physical examination. Patients with ALS exhibited significantly lower signal intensity in the precentral gyrus on susceptibility-weighted MR imaging compared with controls. Clinical scores were significantly correlated with susceptibility changes. Importantly, the extent of the susceptibility changes in the bilateral precentral gyri was significantly correlated with upper motor neuron scores. The results of our pilot study using VBA indicated that low signal intensity in motor cortex on susceptibility-weighted MR imaging may correspond to clinical symptoms, particularly upper motor neuron dysfunction. Susceptibility-weighted MR imaging may be a useful diagnostic tool as an objective indicator of upper motor neuron dysfunction.
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Donatelli G, Retico A, Caldarazzo Ienco E, Cecchi P, Costagli M, Frosini D, Biagi L, Tosetti M, Siciliano G, Cosottini M. Semiautomated Evaluation of the Primary Motor Cortex in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at 3T. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 39:63-69. [PMID: 29122765 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease involving the upper and lower motor neurons. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, pathologic changes in the primary motor cortex include Betz cell depletion and the presence of reactive iron-loaded microglia, detectable on 7T MR images as atrophy and T2*-hypointensity. Our purposes were the following: 1) to investigate the signal hypointensity-to-thickness ratio of the primary motor cortex as a radiologic marker of upper motor neuron involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with a semiautomated method at 3T, 2) to compare 3T and 7T results, and 3) to evaluate whether semiautomated measurement outperforms visual image assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated 27 patients and 13 healthy subjects at 3T, and 19 patients and 18 healthy subjects at 7T, performing a high-resolution 3D multiecho T2*-weighted sequence targeting the primary motor cortex. The signal hypointensity-to-thickness ratio of the primary motor cortex was calculated with a semiautomated method depicting signal intensity profiles of the cortex. Images were also visually classified as "pathologic" or "nonpathologic" based on the primary motor cortex signal intensity and thickness. RESULTS The signal hypointensity-to-thickness ratio of the primary motor cortex was greater in patients than in controls (P < .001), and it correlated with upper motor neuron impairment in patients (ρ = 0.57, P < .001). The diagnostic accuracy of the signal hypointensity-to-thickness ratio was high at 3T (area under the curve = 0.89) and even higher at 7T (area under the curve = 0.94). The sensitivity of the semiautomated method (0.81) outperformed the sensitivity of the visual assessment (0.56-0.63) at 3T. CONCLUSIONS The signal hypointensity-to-thickness ratio of the primary motor cortex calculated with a semiautomated method is suggested as a radiologic marker of upper motor neuron burden in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This semiautomated method may be useful for improving the subjective radiologic evaluation of upper motor neuron pathology in patients suspected of having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Donatelli
- From the Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery (G.D., P.C., M. Cosottini)
| | - A Retico
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (A.R.), Pisa Division, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Caldarazzo Ienco
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Cecchi
- From the Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery (G.D., P.C., M. Cosottini)
| | - M Costagli
- Imago7 Research Foundation (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Pisa, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Physics and Biotechnologies for Magnetic Resonance (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Frosini
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Biagi
- Imago7 Research Foundation (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Pisa, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Physics and Biotechnologies for Magnetic Resonance (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tosetti
- Imago7 Research Foundation (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Pisa, Italy.,Laboratory of Medical Physics and Biotechnologies for Magnetic Resonance (M. Costagli, L.B., M.T.), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Cosottini
- From the Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery (G.D., P.C., M. Cosottini)
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Geevasinga N, Korgaonkar MS, Menon P, Van den Bos M, Gomes L, Foster S, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Brain functional connectome abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are associated with disability and cortical hyperexcitability. Eur J Neurol 2017; 24:1507-1517. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Geevasinga
- Westmead Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
| | - M. S. Korgaonkar
- Westmead Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
- The Brain Dynamics Centre Westmead Institute for Medical Research and University of Sydney; Westmead NSW
| | - P. Menon
- Westmead Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
| | - M. Van den Bos
- Westmead Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
| | - L. Gomes
- Department of Radiology Westmead Hospital; Westmead NSW
| | - S. Foster
- Department of Radiology Westmead Hospital; Westmead NSW
| | - M. C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
- Department of Neurology Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - S. Vucic
- Westmead Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney NSW
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Ferraro PM, Agosta F, Riva N, Copetti M, Spinelli EG, Falzone Y, Sorarù G, Comi G, Chiò A, Filippi M. Multimodal structural MRI in the diagnosis of motor neuron diseases. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 16:240-247. [PMID: 28794983 PMCID: PMC5545829 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This prospective study developed an MRI-based method for identification of individual motor neuron disease (MND) patients and test its accuracy at the individual patient level in an independent sample compared with mimic disorders. 123 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), 44 patients with predominantly upper motor neuron disease (PUMN), 20 patients with ALS-mimic disorders, and 78 healthy controls were studied. The diagnostic accuracy of precentral cortical thickness and diffusion tensor (DT) MRI metrics of corticospinal and motor callosal tracts were assessed in a training cohort and externally proved in a validation cohort using a random forest analysis. In the training set, precentral cortical thickness showed 0.86 and 0.89 accuracy in differentiating ALS and PUMN patients from controls, while DT MRI distinguished the two groups from controls with 0.78 and 0.92 accuracy. In ALS vs controls, the combination of cortical thickness and DT MRI metrics (combined model) improved the classification pattern (0.91 accuracy). In the validation cohort, the best accuracy was reached by DT MRI (0.87 and 0.95 accuracy in ALS and PUMN vs mimic disorders). The combined model distinguished ALS and PUMN patients from mimic syndromes with 0.87 and 0.94 accuracy. A multimodal MRI approach that incorporates motor cortical and white matter alterations yields statistically significant improvement in accuracy over using each modality separately in the individual MND patient classification. DT MRI represents the most powerful tool to distinguish MND from mimic disorders. Motor cortical and white matter alterations yield high accuracy in the individual MND patient classification. DT MRI represents the most powerful tool to distinguish MND from mimic disorders. The most pronounced damage in MND patients relative to mimic subjects was found in the motor callosal fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar M Ferraro
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- 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
| | - Yuri Falzone
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- ALS Center, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - 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
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de Albuquerque M, Branco LMT, Rezende TJR, de Andrade HMT, Nucci A, França MC. Longitudinal evaluation of cerebral and spinal cord damage in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 14:269-276. [PMID: 28203530 PMCID: PMC5294732 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate MRI-based parameters as biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) progression. Methods Twenty-seven patients and 27 controls performed two clinical and MRI acquisitions 8 months apart. ALSFRS-R scale was used to quantify disease severity at both time points. Multimodal analyses of MRI included cortical thickness measurements (FreeSurfer software), analysis of white matter integrity using diffusion-tensor imaging (tract-based spatial statistics-TBSS) and measurement of cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (SpineSeg software). All analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons. The standardized response mean (SRM = mean score change / standard deviation of score change) was calculated for all methods herein employed and used for comparison purposes. Results There were 18 men and mean age at first examination was 51.9 years. Mean ALSFRS-R scores at baseline and follow-up were 34.0 and 29.0, respectively. There was no region with progressive cortical thinning, but there was significant brainstem volumetric reduction (p = 0.001). TBSS analyses revealed progressive increase of AD (axial diffusivity) and MD (mean diffusivity) at the corpus callosum (p < 0.05), whereas SpineSeg showed progressive cord area reduction (p = 0.002). Cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area reduction was the only MRI parameter that correlated with ALSFRS-R change (r = 0.309, p = 0.038). SRM for ALSFRS-R was 0.95, for cord area 0.95, for corpus callosum AD 0.62 and MD 0.65, and for brainstem volume 0.002. Conclusions Structural MRI is able to detect short term longitudinal changes in ALS. Cervical spinal cord morphometry is a promising neuroimaging marker to assess ALS course. We identified reduction of the cervical spine area in patients with ALS. Clinical score and cervical spinal cord area were correlated in patients. Brainstem atrophy in ALS patients is progressive over 8 months. There is evidence of progressive damage to the corpus callosum and cervical cord. The progressive reduction in cord area correlates with clinical deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena de Albuquerque
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Lucas Melo T Branco
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Thiago Junqueira R Rezende
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Helen Maia Tavares de Andrade
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Anamarli Nucci
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
| | - Marcondes Cavalcante França
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas - UNICAMP Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126, Cidade Universitaria "Zeferino Vaz" Campinas, SP 13083-887, Brazil
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Menke RAL, Agosta F, Grosskreutz J, Filippi M, Turner MR. Neuroimaging Endpoints in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:11-23. [PMID: 27752938 PMCID: PMC5233627 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-016-0484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative, clinically heterogeneous syndrome pathologically overlapping with frontotemporal dementia. To date, therapeutic trials in animal models have not been able to predict treatment response in humans, and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale, which is based on coarse disability measures, remains the gold-standard measure of disease progression. Advances in neuroimaging have enabled mapping of functional, structural, and molecular aspects of ALS pathology, and these objective measures may be uniquely sensitive to the detection of propagation of pathology in vivo. Abnormalities are detectable before clinical symptoms develop, offering the potential for neuroprotective intervention in familial cases. Although promising neuroimaging biomarker candidates for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease progression have emerged, these have been from the study of necessarily select patient cohorts identified in specialized referral centers. Further multicenter research is now needed to establish their validity as therapeutic outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda A L Menke
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - 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, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Martin R Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Kim HJ, Oh SI, de Leon M, Wang X, Oh KW, Park JS, Deshpande A, Buj M, Kim SH. Structural explanation of poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the non-demented state. Eur J Neurol 2016; 24:122-129. [PMID: 27753163 DOI: 10.1111/ene.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, is associated with various cortical symptoms including mild cognitive decline with behavior changes, suggesting the involvement of extra-motor areas in ALS. Our aim was to investigate the specific patterns of brain atrophy in sporadic, impaired ALS patients without commonly known genetic mutations using voxel-based morphometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven patients with sporadic ALS and 28 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. ALS participants were divided into three groups according to comprehensive neuropsychological testing: pure (ALS-pure), cognitive impairment (ALSci) and behavioral impairment (ALSbi). Quantitative comparison of brain atrophy patterns was performed amongst these three groups using voxel-based analysis. All analyses were adjusted for total intracranial volume, age, sex, disease duration and functional disability score. RESULTS The ALSci group exhibited decreased volume in the left cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, optic radiations and corticospinal tracts compared to healthy controls. ALSci patient imaging showed decreased brain volume in the bilateral cerebellum, right putamen gray matter and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculi white matter compared to pure ALS patients (P < 0.001 uncorrected, corrected for the entire volume). Compared to healthy controls, ALS-pure and ALSbi groups did not show any significant volume changes in gray and white matter. CONCLUSIONS These findings also support the hypothesis that ALS pathogenesis has a dual focality of onset (cortex and anterior horn) with contiguous spread outwards. Additionally, neuropsychological features may be an important predictor of progression and survival rates in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-J Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - S-I Oh
- Department of Neurology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - M de Leon
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - K-W Oh
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - J-S Park
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - A Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Buj
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Brain Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S H Kim
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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van der Burgh HK, Schmidt R, Westeneng HJ, de Reus MA, van den Berg LH, van den Heuvel MP. Deep learning predictions of survival based on MRI in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 13:361-369. [PMID: 28070484 PMCID: PMC5219634 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neuromuscular disease, with large variation in survival between patients. Currently, it remains rather difficult to predict survival based on clinical parameters alone. Here, we set out to use clinical characteristics in combination with MRI data to predict survival of ALS patients using deep learning, a machine learning technique highly effective in a broad range of big-data analyses. A group of 135 ALS patients was included from whom high-resolution diffusion-weighted and T1-weighted images were acquired at the first visit to the outpatient clinic. Next, each of the patients was monitored carefully and survival time to death was recorded. Patients were labeled as short, medium or long survivors, based on their recorded time to death as measured from the time of disease onset. In the deep learning procedure, the total group of 135 patients was split into a training set for deep learning (n = 83 patients), a validation set (n = 20) and an independent evaluation set (n = 32) to evaluate the performance of the obtained deep learning networks. Deep learning based on clinical characteristics predicted survival category correctly in 68.8% of the cases. Deep learning based on MRI predicted 62.5% correctly using structural connectivity and 62.5% using brain morphology data. Notably, when we combined the three sources of information, deep learning prediction accuracy increased to 84.4%. Taken together, our findings show the added value of MRI with respect to predicting survival in ALS, demonstrating the advantage of deep learning in disease prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore K van der Burgh
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ruben Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marcel A de Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn P van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Geevasinga N, Menon P, Özdinler PH, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Pathophysiological and diagnostic implications of cortical dysfunction in ALS. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:651-661. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Grolez G, Moreau C, Danel-Brunaud V, Delmaire C, Lopes R, Pradat PF, El Mendili MM, Defebvre L, Devos D. The value of magnetic resonance imaging as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:155. [PMID: 27567641 PMCID: PMC5002331 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects the motor system. A number of potentially neuroprotective and neurorestorative disease-modifying drugs are currently in clinical development. At present, the evaluation of a drug's clinical efficacy in ALS is based on the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, motor tests and survival. However, these endpoints are general, variable and late-stage measures of the ALS disease process and thus require the long-term assessment of large cohorts. Hence, there is a need for more sensitive radiological biomarkers. Various sequences for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord have may have value as surrogate biomarkers for use in future clinical trials. Here, we review the MRI findings in ALS, their clinical correlations, and their limitations and potential role as biomarkers. METHODS The PubMed database was screened to identify studies using MRI in ALS. We included general MRI studies with a control group and an ALS group and longitudinal studies even if a control group was lacking. RESULTS A total of 116 studies were analysed with MRI data and clinical correlations. The most disease-sensitive MRI patterns are in motor regions but the brain is more broadly affected. CONCLUSION Despite the existing MRI biomarkers, there is a need for large cohorts with long term MRI and clinical follow-up. MRI assessment could be improved by standardized MRI protocols with multicentre studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Grolez
- Department of Movement Disorders and Neurology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - C. Moreau
- Department of Movement Disorders and Neurology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - V. Danel-Brunaud
- Department of Movement Disorders and Neurology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - C. Delmaire
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Neuroradiology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - R. Lopes
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Neuroradiology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - P. F. Pradat
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
- Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, France
| | - M. M. El Mendili
- Laboratoire d’Imagerie Biomédicale, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - L. Defebvre
- Department of Movement Disorders and Neurology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - D. Devos
- Department of Movement Disorders and Neurology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- INSERM U1171, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Lille University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lille, Lille, France
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Traub R, Mitsumoto H. Recent advances and opportunities for improving diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1213164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Traub
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS, Research Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Fogarty MJ, Mu EWH, Noakes PG, Lavidis NA, Bellingham MC. Marked changes in dendritic structure and spine density precede significant neuronal death in vulnerable cortical pyramidal neuron populations in the SOD1(G93A) mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:77. [PMID: 27488828 PMCID: PMC4973034 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised by the death of upper (corticospinal) and lower motor neurons (MNs) with progressive muscle weakness. This incurable disease is clinically heterogeneous and its aetiology remains unknown. Increased excitability of corticospinal MNs has been observed prior to symptoms in human and rodent studies. Increased excitability has been correlated with structural changes in neuronal dendritic arbors and spines for decades. Here, using a modified Golgi-Cox staining method, we have made the first longitudinal study examining the dendrites of pyramidal neurons from the motor cortex, medial pre-frontal cortex, somatosensory cortex and entorhinal cortex of hSOD1G93A (SOD1) mice compared to wild-type (WT) littermate controls at postnatal (P) days 8–15, 28–35, 65–75 and 120. Progressive decreases in dendritic length and spine density commencing at pre-symptomatic ages (P8-15 or P28-35) were observed in layer V pyramidal neurons within the motor cortex and medial pre-frontal cortex of SOD1 mice compared to WT mice. Spine loss without concurrent dendritic pathology was present in the pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex from disease-onset (P65-75). Our results from the SOD1 model suggest that dendritic and dendritic spine changes foreshadow and underpin the neuromotor phenotypes present in ALS and may contribute to the varied cognitive, executive function and extra-motor symptoms commonly seen in ALS patients. Determining if these phenomena are compensatory or maladaptive may help explain differential susceptibility of neurons to degeneration in ALS.
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Blasco H, Vourc'h P, Pradat PF, Gordon PH, Andres CR, Corcia P. Further development of biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 16:853-68. [PMID: 27275785 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2016.1199277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an idiopathic neurodegenerative disease usually fatal in less than three years. Even if standard guidelines are available to diagnose ALS, the mean diagnosis delay is more than one year. In this context, biomarker discovery is a priority. Research has to focus on new diagnostic tools, based on combined explorations. AREAS COVERED In this review, we specifically focus on biology and imaging markers. We detail the innovative field of 'omics' approach and imaging and explain their limits to be useful in routine practice. We describe the most relevant biomarkers and suggest some perspectives for biomarker research. Expert commentary: The successive failures of clinical trials in ALS underline the need for new strategy based on innovative tools to stratify patients and to evaluate their responses to treatment. Biomarker data may be useful to improve the designs of clinical trials. Biomarkers are also needed to better investigate disease pathophysiology, to identify new therapeutic targets, and to improve the performance of clinical assessments for diagnosis and prognosis in the clinical setting. A consensus on the best management of neuroimaging and 'omics' methods is necessary and a systematic independent validation of findings may add robustness to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Blasco
- a UMR INSERM U930 , Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France.,b Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire , Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - P Vourc'h
- a UMR INSERM U930 , Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France.,b Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire , Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - P F Pradat
- c Département des Maladies du Système Nerveux, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris , Hôpital de la Salpêtrière , Paris , France.,d Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, CNRS, INSERM , Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale , Paris , France
| | - P H Gordon
- e Neurology Unit, Northern Navajo Medical Center , Shiprock , NM , USA
| | - C R Andres
- a UMR INSERM U930 , Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France.,b Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire , Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
| | - P Corcia
- a UMR INSERM U930 , Université François-Rabelais de Tours , Tours , France.,b Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire , Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France.,f Centre SLA , Service de Neurologie et Neurophysiologie Clinique, CHRU de Tours , Tours , France
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Geevasinga N, Menon P, Ng K, Van Den Bos M, Byth K, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Riluzole exerts transient modulating effects on cortical and axonal hyperexcitability in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 17:580-588. [DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2016.1188961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karl Ng
- Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, University of Sydney, Sydney,
| | | | - Karen Byth
- Westmead Hospital, Research and Education Network, Sydney, Australia NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, and
| | | | - Steve Vucic
- Western Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney,
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Hornberger M, Kiernan MC. Emergence of an imaging biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: is the end point near? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:569. [PMID: 26929028 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2015-312882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Assessment of the upper motor neuron in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol 2016; 127:2643-60. [PMID: 27291884 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2016.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical signs of upper motor neuron (UMN) involvement are an important component in supporting the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but are often not easily appreciated in a limb that is concurrently affected by muscle wasting and lower motor neuron degeneration, particularly in the early symptomatic stages of ALS. Whilst recent criteria have been proposed to facilitate improved detection of lower motor neuron impairment through electrophysiological features that have improved diagnostic sensitivity, assessment of upper motor neuron involvement remains essentially clinical. As a result, there is often a significant diagnostic delay that in turn may impact institution of disease-modifying therapy and access to other optimal patient management. Biomarkers of pathological UMN involvement are also required to ensure patients with suspected ALS have timely access to appropriate therapeutic trials. The present review provides an analysis of current and recently developed assessment techniques, including novel imaging and electrophysiological approaches used to study corticomotoneuronal pathology in ALS.
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Spinelli EG, Agosta F, Ferraro PM, Riva N, Lunetta C, Falzone YM, Comi G, Falini A, Filippi M. Brain MR Imaging in Patients with Lower Motor Neuron-Predominant Disease. Radiology 2016; 280:545-56. [PMID: 26963576 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2016151846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the patterns of cortical thinning and white matter tract damage in patients with lower motor neuron (LMN)-predominant disease compared with healthy control subjects and those with classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to evaluate the relationship between brain structural changes and clinical and cognitive features in these patients. Materials and Methods This study was approved by the local ethical committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects before enrollment. Twenty-eight patients with LMN-predominant disease were compared with 55 patients with ALS and 56 healthy control subjects. Patients underwent a clinical and neuropsychological assessment and T1-weighted and diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Surface-based morphometry was used to assess cortical thickness. Tract-based spatial statistics and tractography were used to study white matter tract damage. Results Patients with LMN-predominant disease did not show differences compared with healthy control subjects in cortical thickness and diffusion-tensor MR imaging metrics. Patients with ALS showed cortical thinning of the motor-related cortices and a distributed involvement of the prefrontal, temporal, and parietal gyri (P < .05, false discovery rate corrected). Patients with ALS also showed white matter damage along motor and extramotor tracts compared with control subjects and patients with LMN-predominant disease (tract-based spatial statistics: P < .05, family-wise error corrected; tractography: P values < .001 to .05, false discovery rate corrected). In patients with LMN-predominant disease, cognitive deficits correlated with alterations in diffusivity in the left cingulum (r = -0.66, P = .01) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (r = -0.65, P = .05). Conclusion Motor and extramotor cortical thinning and diffusion-tensor MR imaging alterations were specific for motor neuron disease phenotypes, with clinically overt upper motor neuron involvement. However, the lack of significant differences in cortical thickness between subjects with LMN-predominant disease and those with ALS and cognitive deficits associated with alterations in diffusivity in patients with LMN-predominant disease suggest that investigating brain structural and microstructural MR imaging features may provide markers of central nervous system damage in patients with rare motor neuron disease. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo G Spinelli
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Federica Agosta
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Pilar M Ferraro
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Nilo Riva
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Christian Lunetta
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Yuri M Falzone
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Andrea Falini
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
| | - Massimo Filippi
- From the Neuroimaging Research Unit (E.G.S., F.A., P.M.F., M.F.), Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience (E.G.S., N.R., Y.F., G.C., M.F.), and Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC (A.F.), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; and NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Serena Onlus Foundation, Milan, Italy (C.L.)
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Cosottini M, Donatelli G, Costagli M, Caldarazzo Ienco E, Frosini D, Pesaresi I, Biagi L, Siciliano G, Tosetti M. High-Resolution 7T MR Imaging of the Motor Cortex in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:455-61. [PMID: 26680464 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive motor neuron disorder that involves degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons. In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, pathologic studies and ex vivo high-resolution MR imaging at ultra-high field strength revealed the co-localization of iron and activated microglia distributed in the deep layers of the primary motor cortex. The aims of the study were to measure the cortical thickness and evaluate the distribution of iron-related signal changes in the primary motor cortex of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as possible in vivo biomarkers of upper motor neuron impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-two patients with definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and 14 healthy subjects underwent a high-resolution 2D multiecho gradient-recalled sequence targeted on the primary motor cortex by using a 7T scanner. Image analysis consisted of the visual evaluation and quantitative measurement of signal intensity and cortical thickness of the primary motor cortex in patients and controls. Qualitative and quantitative MR imaging parameters were correlated with electrophysiologic and laboratory data and with clinical scores. RESULTS Ultra-high field MR imaging revealed atrophy and signal hypointensity in the deep layers of the primary motor cortex of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with a diagnostic accuracy of 71%. Signal hypointensity of the deep layers of the primary motor cortex correlated with upper motor neuron impairment (r = -0.47; P < .001) and with disease progression rate (r = -0.60; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS The combined high spatial resolution and sensitivity to paramagnetic substances of 7T MR imaging demonstrate in vivo signal changes of the cerebral motor cortex that resemble the distribution of activated microglia within the cortex of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cortical thinning and signal hypointensity of the deep layers of the primary motor cortex could constitute a marker of upper motor neuron impairment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cosottini
- From the Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery (M.Cosottini) and Neurology Unit
| | - G Donatelli
- Neuroradiology Unit (G.D., I.P.), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Costagli
- IMAGO7 Foundation (M.Costagli), Pisa, Italy
| | - E Caldarazzo Ienco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Frosini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Pesaresi
- Neuroradiology Unit (G.D., I.P.), Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Biagi
- IRCCS Stella Maris (L.B., M.T.), Pisa, Italy
| | - G Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (E.C.I., D.F., G.S.), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tosetti
- IRCCS Stella Maris (L.B., M.T.), Pisa, Italy
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73
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Kassubek J, Müller HP. Computer-based magnetic resonance imaging as a tool in clinical diagnosis in neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:295-306. [PMID: 26807776 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1146590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the core elements within the differential diagnostic work-up of patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia syndromes, Parkinsonian syndromes, and motor neuron diseases. Currently, computerized MRI analyses are not routinely used for individual diagnosis; however, they have improved the anatomical understanding of pathomorphological alterations in various neurodegenerative diseases by quantitative comparisons between patients and controls at the group level. For multiparametric MRI protocols, including T1-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and intrinsic functional connectivity MRI, the potential as a surrogate marker is a subject of investigation. The additional value of MRI with respect to diagnosis at the individual level and for future disease-modifying multicentre trials remains to be defined. Here, we give an overview of recent applications of multiparametric MRI to patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. Starting from applications at the group level, continuous progress of a transfer to individual diagnostic classification is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kassubek
- a Department of Neurology , University of Ulm , Ulm , Germany
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74
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Agosta F, Ferraro PM, Riva N, Spinelli EG, Chiò A, Canu E, Valsasina P, Lunetta C, Iannaccone S, Copetti M, Prudente E, Comi G, Falini A, Filippi M. Structural brain correlates of cognitive and behavioral impairment in MND. Hum Brain Mapp 2016; 37:1614-26. [PMID: 26833930 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the structural correlates of cognitive and behavioral impairment in motor neuron diseases (MND) using multimodal MRI. METHODS One hundred one patients with sporadic MND (56 classic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 31 upper motor neuron phenotype, and 14 lower motor neuron phenotype) and 51 controls were enrolled. Patients were classified into MND with a pure motor syndrome (MND-motor) and with cognitive/behavioral symptoms (MND-plus). Cortical thickness measures and diffusion tensor (DT) metrics of white matter (WM) tracts were assessed. A random forest approach was used to explore the independent role of cortical and WM abnormalities in explaining major cognitive and behavioral symptoms. RESULTS There were 48 MND-motor and 53 MND-plus patients. Relative to controls, both patient groups showed a distributed cortical thinning of the bilateral precentral gyrus, insular and cingulate cortices, and frontotemporal regions. In all regions, there was a trend toward a more severe involvement in MND-plus cases, particularly in the temporal lobes. Both patient groups showed damage to the motor callosal fibers, which was more severe in MND-plus. MND-plus patients also showed a more severe involvement of the extra-motor WM tracts. The best predictors of executive and non-executive deficits and behavioral symptoms in MND were diffusivity abnormalities of the corpus callosum and frontotemporal tracts, including the uncinate, cingulum, and superior longitudinal fasciculi. CONCLUSIONS Cortical thinning and WM degeneration are highly associated with neuropsychological and behavioral symptoms in patients with MND. DT MRI metrics seem to be the most sensitive markers of extra-motor deficits within the MND spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pilar M Ferraro
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo G Spinelli
- 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
| | - Adriano Chiò
- 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Canu
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Valsasina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Iannaccone
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Copetti
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS-Ospedale Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Evelina Prudente
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neuroradiology and CERMAC, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- Serena Onlus Foundation, NEuroMuscular Omnicenter, Milan, Italy
| | - 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
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75
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Benatar M, Boylan K, Jeromin A, Rutkove SB, Berry J, Atassi N, Bruijn L. ALS biomarkers for therapy development: State of the field and future directions. Muscle Nerve 2015; 53:169-82. [PMID: 26574709 DOI: 10.1002/mus.24979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biomarkers have become the focus of intense research in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the hope that they might aid therapy development efforts. Notwithstanding the discovery of many candidate biomarkers, none have yet emerged as validated tools for drug development. In this review we present a nuanced view of biomarkers based on the perspective of the Food and Drug Administration; highlight the distinction between discovery and validation; describe existing and emerging resources; review leading biological fluid-based, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging candidates relevant to therapy development efforts; discuss lessons learned from biomarker initiatives in related neurodegenerative diseases; and outline specific steps that we, as a field, might take to hasten the development and validation of biomarkers that will prove useful in enhancing efforts to develop effective treatments for ALS patients. Most important among these is the proposal to establish a federated ALS Biomarker Consortium in which all interested and willing stakeholders may participate with equal opportunity to contribute to the broader mission of biomarker development and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA, 33136
| | - Kevin Boylan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Berry
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nazem Atassi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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76
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Brain Parenchymal Fraction: A Relatively Simple MRI Measure to Clinically Distinguish ALS Phenotypes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:693206. [PMID: 26783524 PMCID: PMC4691452 DOI: 10.1155/2015/693206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Even though neuroimaging and clinical studies indicate that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) manifests with distinct clinical phenotypes, no objective test exists to assess upper motor degeneration in ALS. There is great interest in identifying biomarkers of ALS to allow earlier diagnosis and to recognize disease subtypes. Current quantitative neuroimaging techniques such as T2 relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging are time-consuming to use in clinical settings due to extensive postprocessing requirements. Therefore, we aimed to study the potential role of brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) as a relatively simple quantitative measure for distinguishing ALS phenotypes. T1-weighted MR images of brain were obtained in 15 neurological controls and 88 ALS patients categorized into 4 distinct clinical phenotypes, upper motor neuron- (UMN-) predominant ALS patients with/without corticospinal tract (CST) hyperintensity on T2/PD-weighted images, classic ALS, and ALS with frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). BPF was calculated using intracranial grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid volumes obtained in control and ALS subgroups using SPM8 software. Only ALS-FTD patients had significant reduction in BPF when compared to controls and nondemented ALS patients. Correlation of clinical measures such as disease duration with BPF further supports the view that the BPF could be a potential biomarker for clinical diagnosis of ALS-FTD patients.
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77
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Grieve SM, Menon P, Korgaonkar MS, Gomes L, Foster S, Kiernan MC, Vucic S. Potential structural and functional biomarkers of upper motor neuron dysfunction in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 17:85-92. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1074707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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78
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Verstraete E, Turner MR, Grosskreutz J, Filippi M, Benatar M. Mind the gap: The mismatch between clinical and imaging metrics in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:524-9. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1051989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Verstraete
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin R. Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Hans-Berger Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit and Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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79
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Scholtens LH, de Reus MA, van den Heuvel MP. Linking contemporary high resolution magnetic resonance imaging to the von Economo legacy: A study on the comparison of MRI cortical thickness and histological measurements of cortical structure. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:3038-46. [PMID: 25988402 PMCID: PMC6869041 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex is a distinctive part of the mammalian nervous system, displaying a spatial variety in cyto-, chemico-, and myelinoarchitecture. As part of a rich history of histological findings, pioneering anatomists von Economo and Koskinas provided detailed mappings on the cellular structure of the human cortex, reporting on quantitative aspects of cytoarchitecture of cortical areas. Current day investigations into the structure of human cortex have embraced technological advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to assess macroscale thickness and organization of the cortical mantle in vivo. However, direct comparisons between current day MRI estimates and the quantitative measurements of early anatomists have been limited. Here, we report on a simple, but nevertheless important cross-analysis between the histological reports of von Economo and Koskinas on variation in thickness of the cortical mantle and MRI derived measurements of cortical thickness. We translated the von Economo cortical atlas to a subdivision of the commonly used Desikan-Killiany atlas (as part of the FreeSurfer Software package and a commonly used parcellation atlas in studies examining MRI cortical thickness). Next, values of "width of the cortical mantle" as provided by the measurements of von Economo and Koskinas were correlated to cortical thickness measurements derived from high-resolution anatomical MRI T1 data of 200+ subjects of the Human Connectome Project (HCP). Cross-correlation revealed a significant association between group-averaged MRI measurements of cortical thickness and histological recordings (r = 0.54, P < 0.001). Further validating such a correlation, we manually segmented the von Economo parcellation atlas on the standardized Colin27 brain dataset and applied the obtained three-dimensional von Economo segmentation atlas to the T1 data of each of the HCP subjects. Highly consistent with our findings for the mapping to the Desikan-Killiany regions, cross-correlation between in vivo MRI cortical thickness and von Economo histology-derived values of cortical mantle width revealed a strong positive association (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). Linking today's state-of-the-art T1-weighted imaging to early histological examinations our findings indicate that MRI technology is a valid method for in vivo assessment of thickness of human cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne H Scholtens
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A de Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn P van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is now recognised to be a heterogeneous neurodegenerative syndrome of the motor system and its frontotemporal cortical connections. The development and application of structural and functional imaging over the last three decades, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has allowed traditional post mortem histopathological and emerging molecular findings in ALS to be placed in a clinical context. Cerebral grey and white matter structural MRI changes are increasingly being understood in terms of brain connectivity, providing insights into the advancing degenerative process and producing candidate biomarkers. Such markers may refine the prognostic stratification of patients and the diagnostic pathway, as well as providing an objective assessment of changes in disease activity in response to future therapeutic agents. Studies are being extended to the spinal cord, and the application of neuroimaging to unaffected carriers of highly penetrant genetic mutations linked to the development of ALS offers a unique window to the pre-symptomatic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R. Turner
- />Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- />John Radcliffe Hospital, West Wing Level 3, Oxford, OX3 9DU UK
| | - Esther Verstraete
- />University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- />University Medical Center, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, Netherlands
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81
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De Marco M, Merico A, Berta G, Segato N, Citton V, Baglione A, Venneri A. Morphometric correlates of dysarthric deficit in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:464-72. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1056191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo De Marco
- San Camillo Hospital Foundation, Venice Lido, Venice, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Antonio Merico
- San Camillo Hospital Foundation, Venice Lido, Venice, Italy
| | - Giulia Berta
- San Camillo Hospital Foundation, Venice Lido, Venice, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Annalena Venneri
- San Camillo Hospital Foundation, Venice Lido, Venice, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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82
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Verstraete E, Foerster BR. Neuroimaging as a New Diagnostic Modality in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:403-16. [PMID: 25791072 PMCID: PMC4404464 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, with variable involvement of extramotor brain regions. Currently, there are no established objective markers of upper motor neuron and extramotor involvement in ALS. Here, we review the potential diagnostic value of advanced neuroimaging techniques that are increasingly being used to study the brain in ALS. First, we discuss the role of different imaging modalities in our increasing understanding of ALS pathogenesis, and their potential to contribute to objective upper motor neuron biomarkers for the disease. Second, we discuss the challenges to be overcome and the required phases of diagnostic test development to translate imaging technology to clinical care. We also present examples of multidimensional imaging approaches to achieve high levels of diagnostic accuracy. Last, we address the role of neuroimaging in clinical therapeutic trials. Advanced neuroimaging techniques will continue to develop and offer significant opportunities to facilitate the development of new effective treatments for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Verstraete
- />Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bradley R. Foerster
- />Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- />Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- />Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
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