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Sub-millimeter imaging of brain-free water for rapid volume assessment in atrophic brains. Neuroimage 2014; 100:370-8. [PMID: 24945671 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebral atrophy occurs in healthy aging, and in disease processes such as multiple sclerosis (MS), it correlates with disability accumulation. Imaging measurements of brain atrophy are commonly based on tissue segmentation, which is susceptible to classification errors and inconsistencies. High-resolution imaging techniques with strong contrast between brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might allow fully automated, rapid, threshold-based determination of the free water in the brain. We hypothesized that total brain-free-water (BFW) volume and BFW volume expressed as a normalized fraction of the intracranial volume ("BFW fraction"), determined from heavily T2-weighted images, would be useful surrogates for cerebral atrophy and therefore would correlate with clinical measures of disability in MS. METHODS Whole brains of 83 MS cases and 7 healthy volunteers were imaged with a 4.7-min, heavily T2-weighted sequence on a 3T MRI scanner, acquiring 650-μm isotropic voxels. MS cases were clinically assessed on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (SNRS), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and 25-Foot Timed Walk. Twelve of the MS cases were rescanned within an average of 1.8 months to assess reproducibility. Automated calculations of BFW volume and BFW fraction were correlated with clinical measures of disability upon adjusting for age and sex. Results were compared to data from T1-based approaches (SIENAX and Lesion-TOADS). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION BFW volume was automatically derived from heavily T2-weighted images with no need for separate skull stripping. BFW volume and fraction had mean scan-rescan coefficients of variation of 1.5% and 1.9%, respectively, similar to the T1-based approaches tested here. BFW fraction more strongly correlated with clinical measures than T1-derived results. Among those clinical measures, modality-specific disability scores, such as SDMT and 9HPT, were more strongly associated with BFW fraction than composite measures, such as EDSS and SNRS. CONCLUSION The BFW method robustly estimates cerebral atrophy in an automated, fast, and reliable manner, and as such may prove a useful addition to imaging protocols for clinical practice and trials.
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202
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Odenthal C, Coulthard A. The prognostic utility of MRI in clinically isolated syndrome: a literature review. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2014; 36:425-31. [PMID: 24831592 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
For patients presenting with clinically isolated syndrome, the treating clinician needs to advise the patient on the probability of conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis. MR imaging may give useful prognostic information, and there is large body of literature pertaining to the use of MR imaging in assessing patients presenting with clinically isolated syndrome. This literature review evaluates the accuracy of MR imaging in predicting which patients with clinically isolated syndrome will go on to develop long-term disease and/or disability. New and emerging MR imaging technologies and their applicability to patients with clinically isolated syndrome are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Odenthal
- From the School of Medicine (C.O.), University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Coulthard
- Department of Medical Imaging (A.C.), Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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203
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Barkhof F, de Jong R, Sfikas N, de Vera A, Francis G, Cohen J. The influence of patient demographics, disease characteristics and treatment on brain volume loss in Trial Assessing Injectable Interferon vs FTY720 Oral in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (TRANSFORMS), a phase 3 study of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2014; 20:1704-13. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458514532317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) lose brain volume (BV) faster than healthy individuals. Objective: Our purpose, within the 12-month phase 3 TRANSFORMS study, was to examine the effect of treatment on BV loss in patient subgroups, establish correlations between baseline normalized BV (NBV) and baseline disease parameters, to identify variables predictive of baseline NBV and on-study percentage BV change (PBVC), and to establish correlations between on-study PBVC and on-study efficacy outcomes. Methods: Patients received fingolimod 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg, or intramuscular (IM) interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) for 12 months. The effect of treatment on PBVC was examined in patient demographic, disease and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristic subgroups. Pearson’s correlation analyses and a stepwise linear regression model were used to identify variables predictive of NBV and PBVC. Results: Fingolimod reduced BV loss over 12 months versus IFNβ-1a IM in all patient subgroups assessed, including individuals with or without gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions at baseline. Baseline T1 hypointense lesion volume had the strongest correlation with baseline NBV. Baseline Gd-enhancing T1 lesion count was most predictive of change in PBVC over 12 months. Conclusions: Our results improve understanding of the contributions of different baseline demographic, clinical and MRI characteristics to NBV, including factors that may be predictive of future BV loss
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Barkhof
- Image Analysis Center, VU University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Remko de Jong
- Image Analysis Center, VU University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey Cohen
- Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA
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204
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Lavery AM, Verhey LH, Waldman AT. Outcome measures in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: capturing disability and disease progression in clinical trials. Mult Scler Int 2014; 2014:262350. [PMID: 24883205 PMCID: PMC4026972 DOI: 10.1155/2014/262350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease that manifests as acute relapses and progressive disability. As a primary endpoint for clinical trials in MS, disability is difficult to both characterize and measure. Furthermore, the recovery from relapses and the rate of disability vary considerably among patients. Given these challenges, investigators have developed and studied the performance of various outcome measures and surrogate endpoints in MS clinical trials. This review defines the outcome measures and surrogate endpoints used to date in MS clinical trials and presents challenges in the design of both adult and pediatric trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Lavery
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Leonard H. Verhey
- The Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Program, Program in Neuroscience & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Amy T. Waldman
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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205
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MRI measures of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis: implications for disability, disease monitoring, and treatment. J Neurol 2014; 262:1-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-014-7340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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206
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Deppe M, Marinell J, Krämer J, Duning T, Ruck T, Simon OJ, Zipp F, Wiendl H, Meuth SG. Increased cortical curvature reflects white matter atrophy in individual patients with early multiple sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2014; 6:475-87. [PMID: 25610761 PMCID: PMC4299934 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective White matter atrophy occurs independently of lesions in multiple sclerosis. In contrast to lesion detection, the quantitative assessment of white matter atrophy in individual patients has been regarded as a major challenge. We therefore tested the hypothesis that white matter atrophy (WMA) is present at the very beginning of multiple sclerosis (MS) and in virtually each individual patient. To find a new sensitive and robust marker for WMA we investigated the relationship between cortical surface area, white matter volume (WMV), and whole-brain-surface-averaged rectified cortical extrinsic curvature. Based on geometrical considerations we hypothesized that cortical curvature increases if WMV decreases and the cortical surface area remains constant. Methods In total, 95 participants were enrolled: 30 patients with early and advanced relapsing–remitting MS; 30 age-matched control subjects; 30 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 5 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Results 29/30 MS and 5/5 CIS patients showed lower WMV than expected from their intracranial volume (average reduction 13.0%, P < 10− 10), while the cortical surface area showed no significant differences compared with controls. The estimated WMV reductions were correlated with an increase in cortical curvature (R = 0.62, P = 0.000001). Discriminant analysis revealed that the curvature increase was highly specific for the MS and CIS groups (96.7% correct assignments between MS and control groups) and was significantly correlated with reduction of white matter fractional anisotropy, as determined by diffusion tensor imaging and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. As expected by the predominant gray and WM degeneration in AD, no systematic curvature increase was observed in AD. Conclusion Whole-brain-averaged cortical extrinsic curvature appears to be a specific and quantitative marker for a WMV–cortex disproportionality and allows us to assess “pure” WMA without being confounded by intracranial volume. WMA seems to be a characteristic symptom in early MS and can already occur in patients with CIS and should thus be considered in future MS research and clinical studies. We suggest cortical curvature as marker for selective white matter atrophy (WMA). This geometric marker is more specific and sensitive than volumetric measures. It is not confounded by intra-cranial volume, age, and gender. WMA seems to be a characteristic symptom in early multiple sclerosis. WMA can be also detected in patients with a clinical isolated symptom.
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Key Words
- 3D, three-dimensional
- CI, confidence interval
- CIS, clinically isolated syndrome
- Cortex
- Cortical curvature
- DTI, diffusion tensor imaging
- EDSS, Expanded Disability Status Scale
- EVAL, Münster Neuroimaging Evaluation System
- FA, fractional anisotropy
- FOV, field of view
- GM, gray matter
- GMV, gray matter volume
- GRAPPA, generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition
- ICV, intracranial volume
- Imaging
- MRI
- Multiple sclerosis
- ROI, region of interest
- SD, standard deviation
- TE, echo time
- TR, repetition time
- TSE, turbo spin-echo
- WM, white matter
- WMV, white matter volume
- eWMV, estimated white matter volume
- ΔWMV, WMV − eWMV
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Deppe
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Jasmin Marinell
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Duning
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Ole J Simon
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Rhine Main Neuroscience Network, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms University, Münster, Germany
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207
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Matthews PM, Geraghty OC. Understanding the pharmacology of stroke and multiple sclerosis through imaging. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2014; 14:34-41. [PMID: 24565010 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) illustrate how clinical imaging can facilitate early phase drug development and most effective medicine use in the clinic. Imaging has enhanced understanding of the dynamics of evolution of disease pathophysiology, better defining treatment targets. Imaging measures can enable stratification of patients for clinical trials and for most cost-effective use in the clinic. In MS, imaging has allowed smaller Phase II clinical trials and contributed to medicine differentiation. It also has led to consideration of suppression of inflammation and neurodegeneration as meaningfully distinct pharmacodynamic concepts. Similar imaging measures can be used in preclinical and clinical studies. Testing translational pharmacological hypotheses using clinical imaging more explicitly could improve the success of the next generation of stroke therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Matthews
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK; Neurosciences Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Brentford, UK.
| | - Olivia C Geraghty
- Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
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208
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De Stefano N, Airas L, Grigoriadis N, Mattle HP, O'Riordan J, Oreja-Guevara C, Sellebjerg F, Stankoff B, Walczak A, Wiendl H, Kieseier BC. Clinical relevance of brain volume measures in multiple sclerosis. CNS Drugs 2014; 28:147-56. [PMID: 24446248 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-014-0140-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with an inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathology. Axonal loss and neurodegeneration occurs early in the disease course and may lead to irreversible neurological impairment. Changes in brain volume, observed from the earliest stage of MS and proceeding throughout the disease course, may be an accurate measure of neurodegeneration and tissue damage. There are a number of magnetic resonance imaging-based methods for determining global or regional brain volume, including cross-sectional (e.g. brain parenchymal fraction) and longitudinal techniques (e.g. SIENA [Structural Image Evaluation using Normalization of Atrophy]). Although these methods are sensitive and reproducible, caution must be exercised when interpreting brain volume data, as numerous factors (e.g. pseudoatrophy) may have a confounding effect on measurements, especially in a disease with complex pathological substrates such as MS. Brain volume loss has been correlated with disability progression and cognitive impairment in MS, with the loss of grey matter volume more closely correlated with clinical measures than loss of white matter volume. Preventing brain volume loss may therefore have important clinical implications affecting treatment decisions, with several clinical trials now demonstrating an effect of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) on reducing brain volume loss. In clinical practice, it may therefore be important to consider the potential impact of a therapy on reducing the rate of brain volume loss. This article reviews the measurement of brain volume in clinical trials and practice, the effect of DMTs on brain volume change across trials and the clinical relevance of brain volume loss in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 2, Siena, 53100, Italy,
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209
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Balk LJ, Tewarie P, Killestein J, Polman CH, Uitdehaag BMJ, Petzold A. Disease course heterogeneity and OCT in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2014; 20:1198-206. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458513518626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The heterogeneity of the disease course in multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a challenge for patient management and clinical trials. Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the relationship between disease course heterogeneity and retinal layer thicknesses in MS. Methods: A total of 230 MS patients and 63 healthy control subjects were included. Spectral-domain OCT scanning of the peripapillary and macular regions was performed, followed by automated eight-layer segmentation. Generalised estimation equations were used for comparisons. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for distinguishing a benign from a typical disease course. Results: Primary progressive patients showed relative preservation of inner retinal layers, compared to the relapsing onset MS types. Only in MS eyes without optic neuritis did patients with typical MS show more severe thinning of the inner retinal layers (RNFL to INL) compared to patients with a benign disease course, even after an average disease course of 20 years. Conclusion: The thicknesses, particularly of the innermost retinal layers (RNFL, GCC), were significantly related to the heterogeneous disease course in MS. The relative preservation of these layers in primary progressive and benign MS suggests rather limited susceptibility of the retina to neurodegeneration, which may be relevant for future neurodegenerative treatment trials employing OCT as a secondary outcome measure in primary progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- LJ Balk
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - P Tewarie
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - J Killestein
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - CH Polman
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - BMJ Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - A Petzold
- Department of Neurology, VU University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
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210
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Sormani MP, Arnold DL, De Stefano N. Treatment effect on brain atrophy correlates with treatment effect on disability in multiple sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2014; 75:43-9. [PMID: 24006277 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the extent to which treatment effect on brain atrophy is able to mediate, at the trial level, the treatment effect on disability progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS We collected all published randomized clinical trials in RRMS lasting at least 2 years and including as endpoints disability progression (defined as 6 or 3 months confirmed 1-point increase on the Expanded Disability Status Scale), active magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions (defined as new/enlarging T2 lesions), and brain atrophy (defined as change in brain volume between month 24 and month 6-12). Treatment effects were expressed as relative reductions. A linear regression, weighted for trial size and duration, was used to assess the relationship between the treatment effects on MRI markers and on disability progression. RESULTS Thirteen trials including >13,500 RRMS patients were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment effects on disability progression were correlated with treatment effects both on brain atrophy (R(2) = 0.48, p = 0.001) and on active MRI lesions (R(2) = 0.61, p < 0.001). When the effects on both MRI endpoints were included in a multivariate model, the correlation was higher (R(2) = 0.75, p < 0.001), and both variables were retained as independently related to the treatment effect on disability progression. INTERPRETATION In RRMS, the treatment effect on brain atrophy is correlated with the effect on disability progression over 2 years. This effect is independent of the effect of active MRI lesions on disability; the 2 MRI measures predict the treatment effect on disability more closely when used in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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211
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Filippi M, Charil A, Rovaris M, Absinta M, Rocca MA. Insights from magnetic resonance imaging. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 122:115-149. [PMID: 24507516 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52001-2.00006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed impressive advancements in the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Complementary to the clinical evaluation, conventional MRI (cMRI) provides crucial pieces of information for the diagnosis of MS, the understanding of its natural history, and monitoring the efficacy of experimental treatments. Measures derived from cMRI present clear advantages over the clinical assessment, including their more objective nature and an increased sensitivity to MS-related changes. However, the correlation between these measures and the clinical manifestations of the disease remains weak, and this can be explained, at least partially, by the limited ability of cMRI to characterize and quantify the heterogeneous features of MS pathology. Quantitative MR-based techniques have the potential to overcome the limitations of cMRI. Magnetization transfer MRI, diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor MRI with fiber tractography, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, T1 and T2 relaxation time measurement, and functional MRI are contributing to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie injury, repair, and functional adaptation in patients with MS. All conventional and nonconventional MR techniques will benefit from the use of high-field MR systems (3.0T or more).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Arnaud Charil
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rovaris
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Absinta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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212
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Bonnan M. Intrathecal immune reset in multiple sclerosis: exploring a new concept. Med Hypotheses 2013; 82:300-9. [PMID: 24417802 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis impairment is mainly driven by the progressive phase, whose pathology remains elusive. No drug has yet been able to halt this phase so therapeutic management remains challenging. It was recently demonstrated that late disability correlates with the spreading of cortical subpial lesions, and tertiary lymphoid organs (TLO) were identified in close apposition with these lesions. TLO are of crucial importance since they are able to mount a complete local immune response, as observed in the intrathecal compartment from the moment MS is diagnosed (i.e. oligoclonal bands). This article examines the consequences of this intrathecal response: giving a worst clinical prognostic value and bearing arguments for possible direct brain toxicity, intrathecal secretion should be targeted by drugs abating both B-lymphocytes and plasma cells. Another consequence is that intrathecal secretion has value as a surrogate marker of the persistence of an ongoing intrathecal immune reaction after treatment. Although it is still unsure which mechanism or byproduct secreted by TLO triggers cortical lesions, we propose to target TLO components as a new therapeutic avenue in progressive MS. Whereas it was long considered that the inability of therapies to penetrate the blood-brain-barrier was a crucial obstacle, our proposed strategy will take advantage of the properties of the BBB to safely reset the intrathecal immune system in order to halt the slow axonal burning underlying secondary MS. We review the literature in support of the rationale for treating MS with intrathecal drugs dedicated to clearing the local immune response. Since many targets are involved, achieving this goal may require a combination of monoclonal antibodies targeting each cell sub-type. Hope might be rekindled with a one-shot intrathecal multi-drug treatment in progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Bonnan
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital F. Mitterrand, 4 bd Hauterive, 64046 Pau, France.
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213
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Clinical, MRI, and CSF markers of disability progression in multiple sclerosis. DISEASE MARKERS 2013; 35:687-99. [PMID: 24324285 PMCID: PMC3842089 DOI: 10.1155/2013/484959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in which the complex interplay between inflammation and neurodegeneration determines varying degrees of neurological disability. For this reason, it is very difficult to express an accurate prognosis based on purely clinical information in the individual patient at an early disease stage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are promising sources of prognostic information with a good potential of quantitative measure, sensitivity, and reliability. However, a comprehensive MS outcome prediction model combining multiple parameters is still lacking. Current relevant literature addressing the topic of clinical, MRI, and CSF markers as predictors of MS disability progression is reviewed here.
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214
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Jones BC, Nair G, Shea CD, Crainiceanu CM, Cortese ICM, Reich DS. Quantification of multiple-sclerosis-related brain atrophy in two heterogeneous MRI datasets using mixed-effects modeling. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2013; 3:171-9. [PMID: 24179861 PMCID: PMC3791279 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brain atrophy, measured by MRI, has been proposed as a useful surrogate marker for disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is conventionally assumed that the accurate quantification of brain atrophy is made difficult, if not impossible, by changes in the parameters of the MRI acquisition, which are almost inevitable over the course of a longitudinal study since MRI technology changes rapidly. This state of affairs can negatively affect clinical trial design and limit the use of historical data. Here, we investigate whether we can coherently estimate brain atrophy rates in a heterogeneous MS sample via linear mixed-effects multivariable regression, incorporating three critical assumptions: (1) using age at time of scanning, rather than time since baseline, as the regressor of interest; (2) scanning individuals with a variety of techniques; and (3) introducing a simple additive correction for major differences in MRI protocol. We fit the model to several measures of brain volume as the outcome in two MS populations: 1123 scans from 195 cases acquired for over approximately 7 years in two natural history protocols (Cohort 1), and 1331 scans from 69 cases seen for over 11 years who were primarily treated with two specific MS disease-modifying therapies (Cohort 2). We compared the mixed-effects model with additive correction for MRI acquisition parameters to a model fit without this correction and performed sample-size calculations to provide an estimate of the number of participants in an MS clinical trial that might be required to see a therapeutic effect of treatment using the approach described here. The results show that without the additive correction for T1-weighted protocol parameters, atrophy was underestimated and subject-specific estimates were more narrowly distributed about the population mean. Ventricular CSF is the most consistently estimated brain volume, with a mean of 2.8%/year increase in Cohort 1 and 4.4%/year increase in Cohort 2. An interesting observation was that gray matter volume decreased and white matter volume remained essentially unchanged in both cohorts, suggesting that changes in ventricular CSF volume are a surrogate for changes in gray matter volume. In conclusion, the mixed-effects modeling framework presented here allows effective use of heterogeneously acquired and historical data in the study of brain atrophy in MS, potentially simplifying the design of future single- and multi-site clinical trials and natural history studies. We model brain atrophy in two heterogeneously acquired MS MRI datasets. Mixed-effects regression effectively adjusts for major MRI differences. Ventricular CSF tracks with gray matter but is more reliably estimated. The method would allow reasonable sample sizes in MS therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake C Jones
- Translational Neuroradiology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, 10 Center Drive MSC 1400, Building 10 Room 5C103, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA ; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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215
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Integrating the tools for an individualized prognosis in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2013; 331:10-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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216
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Giorgio A, De Stefano N. Clinical use of brain volumetry. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 37:1-14. [PMID: 23255412 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based brain volumetry is increasingly being used in the clinical setting to assess brain volume changes from structural MR images in a range of neurologic conditions. Measures of brain volumes have been shown to be valid biomarkers of the clinical state and progression by offering high reliability and robust inferences on the underlying disease-related mechanisms. This review critically examines the different scenarios of the application of MRI-based brain volumetry in neurology: 1) supporting disease diagnosis, 2) understanding mechanisms and tracking clinical progression of disease, and 3) monitoring treatment effect. These aspects will be discussed in a wide range of neurologic conditions, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Neurological and Behavioral Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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Arun T, Tomassini V, Sbardella E, de Ruiter MB, Matthews L, Leite MI, Gelineau-Morel R, Cavey A, Vergo S, Craner M, Fugger L, Rovira A, Jenkinson M, Palace J. Targeting ASIC1 in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: evidence of neuroprotection with amiloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 136:106-15. [PMID: 23365093 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the main cause for permanent disability in multiple sclerosis. The effect of current immunomodulatory treatments on neurodegeneration is insufficient. Therefore, direct neuroprotection and myeloprotection remain an important therapeutic goal. Targeting acid-sensing ion channel 1 (encoded by the ASIC1 gene), which contributes to the excessive intracellular accumulation of injurious Na(+) and Ca(2+) and is over-expressed in acute multiple sclerosis lesions, appears to be a viable strategy to limit cellular injury that is the substrate of neurodegeneration. While blockade of ASIC1 through amiloride, a potassium sparing diuretic that is currently licensed for hypertension and congestive cardiac failure, showed neuroprotective and myeloprotective effects in experimental models of multiple sclerosis, this strategy remains untested in patients with multiple sclerosis. In this translational study, we tested the neuroprotective effects of amiloride in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. First, we assessed ASIC1 expression in chronic brain lesions from post-mortem of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis to identify the target process for neuroprotection. Second, we tested the neuroprotective effect of amiloride in a cohort of 14 patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging markers of neurodegeneration as outcome measures of neuroprotection. Patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging scans before (pretreatment phase) and during (treatment phase) amiloride treatment for a period of 3 years. Whole-brain volume and tissue integrity were measured with high-resolution T(1)-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging. In chronic brain lesions of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, we demonstrate an increased expression of ASIC1 in axons and an association with injury markers within chronic inactive lesions. In patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, we observed a significant reduction in normalized annual rate of whole-brain volume during the treatment phase, compared with the pretreatment phase (P = 0.018, corrected). Consistent with this reduction, we showed that changes in diffusion indices of tissue damage within major clinically relevant white matter (corpus callosum and corticospinal tract) and deep grey matter (thalamus) structures were significantly reduced during the treatment phase (P = 0.02, corrected). Our results extend evidence of the contribution of ASIC1 to neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis and suggest that amiloride may exert neuroprotective effects in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. This pilot study is the first translational study on neuroprotection targeting ASIC1 and supports future randomized controlled trials measuring neuroprotection with amiloride in patients with multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarunya Arun
- Division of Clinical Neurology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Borges IT, Shea CD, Ohayon J, Jones BC, Stone RD, Ostuni J, Shiee N, McFarland H, Bielekova B, Reich DS. The effect of daclizumab on brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2013; 2:133-140. [PMID: 23580931 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Daclizumab is a monoclonal antibody that reduces inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). Through a retrospective analysis, our objective was to determine whether daclizumab treatment reduces the rate of brain structure atrophy in comparison to a mixture of other disease-modifying therapies (mainly different interferon β preparations). We analyzed MRI examinations (1332 scans from 70 MS cases) obtained between 2000 and 2011 in a single center and processed with an automated brain segmentation method. We used mixed-effects multivariable linear regression models to determine whether a median of 4.3 years of daclizumab therapy in 26 patients altered rates of brain-volume change, controlling for variations in MRI protocol. The control group consisted of 44 patients not treated with daclizumab. We found that supratentorial brain volume declined by 5.17 ml per year (95% confidence limits: 3.58-6.77) off daclizumab therapy. On daclizumab, the annual rate of volume loss decreased to 3.72 ml (p=0.01). The rate of ventricular enlargement decreased from 1.26 to 0.42 ml per year (p<0.001). Focused analysis suggests that reduction in gray matter atrophy rate most likely underlies these results. In summary, in this retrospective analysis, daclizumab therapy substantially decreased the rate of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting MS in comparison to other disease-modifying therapies, predominantly interferon β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela T Borges
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, USA
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219
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Wolinsky JS, Narayana PA, Nelson F, Datta S, O’Connor P, Confavreux C, Comi G, Kappos L, Olsson TP, Truffinet P, Wang L, Miller A, Freedman MS. Magnetic resonance imaging outcomes from a phase III trial of teriflunomide. Mult Scler 2013; 19:1310-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458513475723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of oral teriflunomide on multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology inferred by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Patients ( n=1088) with relapsing MS were randomized to once-daily teriflunomide 7 mg or 14 mg, or placebo, for 108 weeks. MRI was recorded at baseline, 24, 48, 72 and 108 weeks. Annualized relapse rate and confirmed progression of disability (sustained ≥12 weeks) were the primary and key secondary outcomes. The principal MRI outcome was change in total lesion volume. Results: After 108 weeks, increase in total lesion volume was 67.4% ( p=0.0003) and 39.4% ( p=0.0317) lower in the 14 and 7 mg dose groups versus placebo. Other measures favoring teriflunomide were accumulated enhanced lesions, combined unique activity, T2-hyperintense and T1-hypointense component lesion volumes, white matter volume, and a composite MRI score; all were significant for teriflunomide 14 mg and most significant for 7 mg versus placebo. Conclusions: Teriflunomide provided benefits on brain MRI activity across multiple measures, with a dose effect evident on several markers. These effects were also consistent across selected subgroups of the study population. These findings complement clinical data showing significant teriflunomide-related reductions in relapse rate and disease progression, and demonstrate containment of MRI-defined disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry S Wolinsky
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Ponnada A Narayana
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Flavia Nelson
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Sushmita Datta
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA
| | - Paul O’Connor
- St Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Christian Confavreux
- Service de Neurologie A, Hospices Civils de Lyon; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomas P Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | | | | | - Aaron Miller
- Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai USA
| | - Mark S Freedman
- University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
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220
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Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis: An Up-to-Date Overview. Mult Scler Int 2013; 2013:340508. [PMID: 23401777 PMCID: PMC3564381 DOI: 10.1155/2013/340508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, the effort of establishing satisfactory biomarkers for multiple sclerosis has been proven to be very difficult, due to the clinical and pathophysiological complexities of the disease. Recent knowledge acquired in the domains of genomics-immunogenetics and neuroimmunology, as well as the evolution in neuroimaging, has provided a whole new list of biomarkers. This variety, though, leads inevitably to confusion in the effort of decision making concerning strategic and individualized therapeutics. In this paper, our primary goal is to provide the reader with a list of the most important characteristics that a biomarker must possess in order to be considered as reliable. Additionally, up-to-date biomarkers are further divided into three subgroups, genetic-immunogenetic, laboratorial, and imaging. The most important representatives of each category are presented in the text and for the first time in a summarizing workable table, in a critical way, estimating their diagnostic potential and their efficacy to correlate with phenotypical expression, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, disability, and therapeutical response. Special attention is given to the "gold standards" of each category, like HLA-DRB1∗ polymorphisms, oligoclonal bands, vitamin D, and conventional and nonconventional imaging techniques. Moreover, not adequately established but quite promising, recently characterized biomarkers, like TOB-1 polymorphisms, are further discussed.
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221
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Ruffini F, Rossi S, Bergamaschi A, Brambilla E, Finardi A, Motta C, Studer V, Barbieri F, De Chiara V, Hayardeny L, Comi G, Centonze D, Martino G. Laquinimod prevents inflammation-induced synaptic alterations occurring in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mult Scler 2012; 19:1084-94. [PMID: 23232603 DOI: 10.1177/1352458512469698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are two generally accepted strategies for treating multiple sclerosis (MS), preventing central nervous system (CNS) damage indirectly through immunomodulatory interventions and/or repairing CNS damage by promoting remyelination. Both approaches also provide neuroprotection since they can prevent, indirectly or directly, axonal damage. OBJECTIVE Recent experimental and clinical evidence indicates that the novel immunomodulatory drug laquinimod can exert a neuroprotective role in MS. Whether laquinimod-mediated neuroprotection is exerted directly on neuronal cells or indirectly via peripheral immunomodulation is still unclear. METHODS C57Bl/6 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, immunised with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide, were treated for 26 days with subcutaneous daily injections of laquinimod (from 1 to 25 mg/kg). Patch clamp electrophysiology was performed on acute brain striatal slices from EAE mice treated with daily (25 mg/kg) laquinimod and on acute brain striatal slices from control mice bathed with laquinimod (1-30 µM). RESULTS Both preventive and therapeutic laquinimod treatment fully prevented the alterations of GABAergic synapses induced by EAE, the first limiting also glutamatergic synaptic alterations. This dual effect might, in turn, have limited glutamatergic excitotoxicity, a phenomenon previously observed early during EAE and possibly correlated with later axonal damage. Furthermore, laquinimod treatment also preserved cannabinoid CB1 receptor sensitivity, normally lost during EAE. Finally, laquinimod per se was able to regulate synaptic transmission by increasing inhibitory post-synaptic currents and, at the same time, reducing excitatory post-synaptic currents. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest a novel neuroprotective mechanism by which laquinimod might in vivo protect from neuronal damage occurring as a consequence of inflammatory immune-mediated demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruffini
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital, Italy
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Vigeveno RM, Wiebenga OT, Wattjes MP, Geurts JJG, Barkhof F. Shifting imaging targets in multiple sclerosis: from inflammation to neurodegeneration. J Magn Reson Imaging 2012; 36:1-19. [PMID: 22696123 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.23578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Classically multiple sclerosis (MS) has been regarded as an auto-immune disease of the white matter in the central nervous system leading to severe disability over the course of several decades. Current therapeutic strategies in MS are mostly based on either immune suppression or immune modulation. Although effective in decreasing relapse frequency and severity as well as delaying disease progression, MS pathology ensues nonetheless. In the last decade it became evident that gray matter pathology plays an important role in disease progression and helps explaining certain aspects of MS-related disability such as cognitive decline. Conventional MRI outcome measures commonly used in clinical trials are sufficient to demonstrate an anti-inflammatory drug-effect but lack pathological specificity and are poor to moderate predictors of disability. In this article, we review new insights in gray matter pathology and functional reorganization in MS and how these novel fields in MS research may validate and establish new MRI outcome measures, aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and neurorepair, and may lead to development of novel predictive measures of disability and disease progression in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- René M Vigeveno
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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223
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Magraner M, Coret F, Casanova B. The relationship between inflammatory activity and brain atrophy in natalizumab treated patients. Eur J Radiol 2012; 81:3485-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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224
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Neuropathologic Correlates of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2012; 71:762-78. [DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3182676388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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225
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Jaworski J, Psujek M, Janczarek M, Szczerbo-Trojanowska M, Bartosik-Psujek H. Total-tau in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis decreases in secondary progressive stage of disease and reflects degree of brain atrophy. Ups J Med Sci 2012; 117:284-92. [PMID: 22554142 PMCID: PMC3410288 DOI: 10.3109/03009734.2012.669423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tau protein is a potential marker of neuronal damage. The aim of the study is to investigate its potential role as a marker of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected from 48 patients with multiple sclerosis. Total-tau (t-tau) and phospho(181Thr)-tau (p-tau) concentrations were assayed with commercially available INNOTEST® hTAU Ag and INNOTEST® phospho181Thr-tau((181P)) and correlated with indices of brain atrophy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical characteristics of the study population. RESULTS T-tau concentration in CSF was significantly higher in relapsing-remitting (RR) compared to secondary progressive (SP) MS patients (P = 0.01). Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) was significantly decreased in SP patients (P = 0.002). BPF in the whole study population correlated inversely with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (r = -0.51, P = 0.0002) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) (r = -0.42, P = 0.002). T-tau in CSF in the whole patient group correlated inversely with EDSS (r = -0.58, P = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that total-tau concentration in CSF in a MS population decreases in the course of disease and reflects degree of parenchymal brain loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Jaworski
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland.
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226
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Retinal damage in multiple sclerosis disease subtypes measured by high-resolution optical coherence tomography. Mult Scler Int 2012; 2012:530305. [PMID: 22888431 PMCID: PMC3410317 DOI: 10.1155/2012/530305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has facilitated characterisation of retinal alterations in MS patients. Only scarce and in part conflicting data exists on different MS subtypes. Objective. To analyse patterns of retinal changes in different subtypes of MS with latest spectral-domain technology. Methods. In a three-centre cross-sectional study 414 MS patients and 94 healthy controls underwent spectral-domain OCT examination. Results. Eyes of MS patients without a previous optic neuritis showed a significant reduction of both retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and total macular volume (TMV) compared to healthy controls independent of the MS subtype (P < 0.001 for all subtypes). RNFL thickness was lower in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) eyes compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) eyes (P = 0.007), and TMV was reduced in SPMS and primary progressive MS (PPMS) eyes compared to RRMS eyes (SPMS: P = 0.039, PPMS: P = 0.005). Independent of the subtype a more pronounced RNFL thinning and TMV reduction were found in eyes with a previous optic neuritis compared to unaffected eyes.
Conclusion. Analysis of this large-scale cross-sectional dataset of MS patients studied with spectral-domain OCT confirmed and allows to generalize previous findings. Furthermore it carves out distinct patterns in different MS subtypes.
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the CNS. In most patients, the disease follows a relapsing-remitting course and is characterized by dynamic inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the CNS. Although on the surface MS may appear consistent with a primary autoimmune disease, questions have been raised as to whether inflammation and/or autoimmunity are really at the root of the disease, and it has been proposed that MS might in fact be a degenerative disorder. We argue that MS may be an 'immunological convolution' between an underlying primary degenerative disorder and the host's aberrant immune response. To better understand this disease, we might need to consider non-inflammatory primary progressive MS as the 'real' MS, with inflammatory forms reflecting secondary, albeit very important, reactions.
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228
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Bodini B, Cercignani M, Khaleeli Z, Miller DH, Ron M, Penny S, Thompson AJ, Ciccarelli O. Corpus callosum damage predicts disability progression and cognitive dysfunction in primary-progressive MS after five years. Hum Brain Mapp 2012; 34:1163-72. [PMID: 22328451 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.21499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 09/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to identify specific areas of white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM), which predict disability progression and cognitive dysfunction after five years in patients with primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Thirty-two patients with early PPMS were assessed at baseline and after five years on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and EDSS step-changes were calculated. At year five, a subgroup of 25 patients and 31 healthy controls underwent a neuropsychological assessment. Baseline imaging consisted of dual-echo (proton density and T2-weighted), T1-weighted volumetric, and diffusion tensor imaging. Fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were created, and fed into tract-based spatial statistics. To compensate for the potential bias introduced by WM lesions, the T1 volumes underwent a lesion-filling procedure before entering a voxel-based morphometry protocol. To investigate whether FA and GM volume predicted EDSS step-changes over five years and neuropsychological tests scores at five years, voxelwise linear regression analyses were performed. Lower FA in the splenium of the corpus callosum (CC) predicted a greater progression of disability over the follow-up. Lower FA along the entire CC predicted worse verbal memory, attention and speed of information processing, and executive function at five years. GM baseline volume did not predict any clinical variable. Our findings highlight the importance of damage to the interhemispheric callosal pathways in determining physical and cognitive disability in PPMS. Disruption of these pathways, which interconnect motor and cognitive networks between the two hemispheres, may result in a disconnection syndrome that contributes to long-term physical and cognitive disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Bodini
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, United Kingdom.
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229
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MacKenzie-Graham A, Rinek GA, Avedisian A, Gold SM, Frew AJ, Aguilar C, Lin DR, Umeda E, Voskuhl RR, Alger JR. Cortical atrophy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: in vivo imaging. Neuroimage 2011; 60:95-104. [PMID: 22182769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.11.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 11/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There are strong correlations between cortical atrophy observed by MRI and clinical disability and disease duration in multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the progression of cortical atrophy over time in vivo in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the most commonly used animal model for MS. Volumetric changes in brains of EAE mice and matched healthy controls were quantified by collecting high-resolution T2-weighted magnetic resonance images in vivo and labeling anatomical structures on the images. In vivo scanning permitted us to evaluate brain structure volumes in individual animals over time and we observed that though brain atrophy progressed differently in each individual animal, all mice with EAE demonstrated significant atrophy in whole brain, cerebral cortex, and whole cerebellum compared to normal controls. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation between cerebellar atrophy and cumulative disease score in mice with EAE. Ex vivo MRI showed a significant decrease in brain and cerebellar volume and a trend that did not reach significance in cerebral cortex volume in mice with EAE compared to controls. Cross modality correlations revealed a significant association between neuronal loss on neuropathology and in vivo atrophy of the cerebral cortex by neuroimaging. These results demonstrate that longitudinal in vivo imaging is more sensitive to changes that occur in neurodegenerative disease models than cross-sectional ex vivo imaging. This is the first report of progressive cortical atrophy in vivo in a mouse model of MS.
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230
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Ziemann U, Wahl M, Hattingen E, Tumani H. Development of biomarkers for multiple sclerosis as a neurodegenerative disorder. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 95:670-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Abstract
Owing to its ability to depict the pathologic features of multiple sclerosis (MS) in exquisite detail, conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become an established tool in the diagnosis of this disease and in monitoring its evolution. MR imaging has been formally included in the diagnostic work-up of patients who present with a clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of MS, and ad hoc diagnostic criteria have been proposed and are updated on a regular basis. In patients with established MS and in those participating in treatment trials, examinations performed with conventional MR pulse sequences provide objective measures to monitor disease activity and progression; however, they have a limited prognostic role. This has driven the application of newer MR imaging technologies, including higher-field-strength MR units, to estimate overall MS burden and mechanisms of recovery in patients at different stages of the disease. These techniques have allowed in vivo assessment of the heterogeneity of MS pathologic features in focal lesions and in normal-appearing tissues. More recently, some of the finer details of MS, including macrophage infiltration and abnormal iron deposition, have become quantifiable with MR imaging. The utility of these modern MR techniques in clinical trial monitoring and in the assessment of the individual patient's response to treatment still need to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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234
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Sicotte NL. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Conventional Imaging. Neurol Clin 2011; 29:343-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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235
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Giorgio A, De Stefano N. Cognition in multiple sclerosis: relevance of lesions, brain atrophy and proton MR spectroscopy. Neurol Sci 2011; 31:S245-8. [PMID: 20635111 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-010-0370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The overall burden of brain MRI-visible lesions does not fully account for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Several MRI studies have highlighted the importance of brain damage in the normal-appearing brain tissue. Brain atrophy (global, cortical, white and deep grey matter) is related to cognitive deficits in MS patients and this holds true since the earliest disease stages. Non-conventional MRI techniques such as proton MR spectroscopy have related metabolic changes in specific brain areas to specific cognitive deficits. Overall, data provided by MRI support the notion that cognitive disturbances need to be considered for a more complete clinical characterisation of patients with MS, including those with "benign" MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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236
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Amato MP, Portaccio E, Goretti B, Zipoli V, Hakiki B, Giannini M, Pastò L, Razzolini L. Cognitive impairment in early stages of multiple sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2011; 31:S211-4. [PMID: 20640466 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-010-0376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction involves 40-65% of multiple sclerosis patients and can have a great functional impact. It can be detected in all the disease phenotypes since the early stages of the disease, and tends to progress over time. Memory, complex attention, information-processing speed and executive functions are most commonly involved. The relationship between cognitive changes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may involve changes in different areas, including white matter lesions, cortical and deep grey matter and normal appearing brain tissue on conventional MRI. The search for effective therapeutic strategies is a major undertaking, involving the use of both pharmacologic and rehabilitative approaches. Early treatment with disease-modifying drugs that can contain the disease burden in the brain seems to be highly advisable in order to prevent or delay the development of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Amato
- Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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237
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Enzinger C, Fuchs S, Pichler A, Wallner-Blazek M, Khalil M, Langkammer C, Ropele S, Fazekas F. Predicting the severity of relapsing-remitting MS: The contribution of cross-sectional and short-term follow-up MRI data. Mult Scler 2011; 17:695-701. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458510394454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and objective: Predicting the long-term clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is difficult on clinical grounds. Recent studies have suggested magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics to be helpful. We wanted to confirm this. Methods: Contactable individuals ( N = 84) from an initial 99 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) who had undergone careful baseline and 2-year follow-up examinations including MRI were reassessed after a mean of 10.8 ± 2.7 years. We investigated using multivariate linear regression analyses if clinical and MRI data obtained at the prior time-points and the rates of change in morphologic variables over a mean observational period of 2.5 years could have served to predict a patient’s MS severity score (MSSS) 11 years later. Conversion to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) was a further outcome variable. Results: In univariate analyses, the ‘black hole ratio’ (BHR) at baseline ( p = 0.017, beta = 0.148) and at first follow-up ( p = 0.007, beta = −0.154) was the only MRI parameter showing a significant correlation with the MSSS. In a multiple regression model, the independent predictive value of imaging variables became statistically non-significant and the latest MSSS was predicted primarily by the baseline EDSS ( r2 = 0.28; p < 0.001). The BHR at baseline explained 9.4% of variance of conversion to SPMS ( p = 0.033). Over the observational period the MSSS remained stable in patients remaining RRMS, but increased in converters to SPMS from 4.0 to 6.4. Conclusions: We failed to confirm a clear independent contribution of cross-sectional and short-term follow-up MRI data for the prediction of the long-term clinical course of MS. The MSSS is not a stable indicator of disease severity but may increase in converters to SPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - S Fuchs
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - A Pichler
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Wallner-Blazek
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - C Langkammer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - S Ropele
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - F Fazekas
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Abstract
Imaging techniques, in particular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play an important role in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and related demyelinating diseases. Findings on MRI studies of the brain and spinal cord are critical for MS diagnosis, are used to monitor treatment response and may aid in predicting disease progression in individual patients. In addition, results of imaging studies serve as essential biomarkers in clinical trials of putative MS therapies and have led to important insights into disease pathophysiology. Although they are useful tools and provide in vivo measures of disease-related activity, there are some important limitations of MRI findings in MS, including the non-specific nature of detectable white matter changes, the poor correlation with clinical disability, the limited sensitivity and ability of standard measures of gadolinium enhancing lesions and T2 lesions to predict future clinical course, and the lack of validated biomarkers of long term outcomes. Advancements that hold promise for the future include new techniques that are sensitive to diffuse changes, the increased use of higher field scanners, measures that capture disease related changes in gray matter, and the use of combined structural and functional imaging approaches to assess the complex and evolving disease process that occurs during the course of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy L Sicotte
- Division of Brain Mapping, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
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