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Kargin OA, Arslan S, Korkmazer B, Guner S, Ozdede A, Erener N, Celik EBE, Baktiroglu G, Hamid R, Oz A, Poyraz BC, Uygunoglu U, Seyahi E, Kizilkilic O. Brain white matter microstructural alterations in Behcet's syndrome correlate with cognitive impairment and disease severity: A diffusion tensor imaging study. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 68:152509. [PMID: 39003953 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the microstructural integrity of brain white matter tracts in patients with Neuro-Behcet's syndrome (NBS) and Behcet's syndrome (BS) without neurological manifestations using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to investigate potential utility of DTI as a surrogate biomarker of neurocognitive functioning and disease severity. METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 34 NBS patients and 32 BS patients without neurological involvement, identified based on the International Study Group of the Behcet's disease (ISGBD) and the International Consensus Recommendation (ICR) criteria, as well as 33 healthy controls. Cognitive functions, including attention, memory, language, abstraction, executive control, visuospatial skills, and sensorimotor performance were assessed using standardized questionnaires. DTI data were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) and automated probabilistic tractography to investigate inter-group differences. Subsequently, correlations between tensor-derived parameters of white matter tracts, neurocognitive test scores, and disease severity measures were examined. RESULTS DTI revealed decreased fractional anisotropy and increased radial diffusivity, mean diffusivity, and axial diffusivity in both supratentorial and infratentorial white matter in NBS patients, indicating widespread loss of microstructural integrity. Moreover, this loss of integrity was also observed in BS patients without neurological manifestations, albeit to a lesser extent. In NBS patients, certain white matter tracts, including cingulum bundle, were associated with poor cognitive performance across multiple domains and disease severity. DISCUSSION DTI findings might potentially serve as a neuroimaging marker to predict the extent of neurocognitive impairment and disease severity associated with central nervous system involvement in BS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Aykan Kargin
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Serdar Arslan
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Bora Korkmazer
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Sabriye Guner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ayse Ozdede
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nursena Erener
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Elif Burcu Ersungur Celik
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gulcin Baktiroglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Rauf Hamid
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Oz
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Burc Cagri Poyraz
- Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ugur Uygunoglu
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Emire Seyahi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Osman Kizilkilic
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Chen X, Roberts N, Zheng Q, Peng Y, Han Y, Luo Q, Feng J, Luo T, Li Y. Comparison of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tissue characterization parameters in white matter tracts of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Eur Radiol 2024; 34:5263-5275. [PMID: 38175221 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10550-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the microstructural properties of T2 lesion and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in 20 white matter tracts between multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and correlations between the tissue damage and clinical variables. METHODS The white matter (WM) compartment of the brain was segmented for 56 healthy controls (HC), 48 patients with MS, and 38 patients with NMOSD, and for the patients further subdivided into T2 lesion and NAWM. Subsequently, the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tissue characterization parameters of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were compared for 20 principal white matter tracts. The correlation between tissue damage and clinical variables was also investigated. RESULTS The higher T2 lesion volumes of 14 fibers were shown in MS compared to NMOSD. MS showed more microstructure damage in 13 fibers of T2 lesion, but similar microstructure in seven fibers compared to NMOSD. MS and NMOSD had microstructure damage of NAWM in 20 fibers compared to WM in HC, with more damage in 20 fibers in MS compared to NMOSD. MS patients showed higher correlation between the microstructure of T2 lesion areas and NAWM. The T2 lesion microstructure damage was correlated with duration and impaired cognition in MS. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MS and NMOSD show different patterns of microstructural damage in T2 lesion and NAWM areas. The prolonged disease course of MS may aggravate the microstructural damage, and the degree of microstructural damage is further related to cognitive impairment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Microstructure differences between T2 lesion areas and normal-appearing white matter help distinguish multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. In multiple sclerosis, lesions rather than normal-appearing white matter should be a concern, because the degree of lesion severity correlated both with normal-appearing white matter damage and cognitive impairment. KEY POINTS • Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder have different damage patterns in T2 lesion and normal-appearing white matter areas. • The microstructure damage of normal-appearing white matter is correlated with the microstructure of T2 lesion in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. • The microstructure damage of T2 lesion in multiple sclerosis is correlated with duration and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Chen
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Neil Roberts
- Edinburgh Imaging Facility QMRI, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuling Peng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yongliang Han
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qi Luo
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jinzhou Feng
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Tianyou Luo
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Correia R, Corrêa D, Doring T, Theodoro C, Correia A, Coelho V, Dib JG, Marchiori E, Alves Leon SV, Rueda Lopes FC. Severity of white matter microstructural damage in a Brazilian relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis cohort: A possible window to optimize treatment. Neuroradiol J 2024; 37:60-67. [PMID: 37915211 PMCID: PMC10863572 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231212372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important cause of acquired neurological disability in young adults, characterized by multicentric inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. OBJECTIVE The objective is to investigate white matter (WM) damage progression in a Brazilian MS patient cohort, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) post-processed by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). METHODS DTI scans were acquired from 76 MS patients and 37 sex-and-age matched controls. Patients were divided into three groups based on disease duration. DTI was performed along 30 non-collinear directions by using a 1.5T imager. For TBSS analysis, the WM skeleton was created, and a 5000 permutation-based inference with a threshold of p < .05 was used, to enable the identification of abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD). RESULTS Decreased FA and increased RD, MD, and AD were seen in patients compared to controls and a decreased FA and increased MD and RD were seen, predominantly after the first 5 years of disease, when compared between groups. CONCLUSION Progressive WM deterioration is seen over time with a more prominent pattern after 5 years of disease onset, providing evidence that the early years might be a window to optimize treatment and prevent disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Correia
- Department of Radiology, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Niterói – RJ, Brazil
| | - Diogo Corrêa
- Department of Radiology, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Niterói – RJ, Brazil
| | - Thomas Doring
- Department of Radiology, Clinicas de Diagnóstico por Imagem (CDPI), Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
| | - Carmem Theodoro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói – RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline Correia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza – CE, Brazil
| | - Valeria Coelho
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
| | - João Gabriel Dib
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
| | - Edson Marchiori
- Department of Radiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de janeiro – RJ, Brazil
| | - Soniza V Alves Leon
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Rueda Lopes
- Department of Radiology, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Niterói – RJ, Brazil
- Department of Radiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de janeiro – RJ, Brazil
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Elkhooly M, Bao F, Raghib M, Millis S, Bernitsas E. Role of white matter in cognitive impairment among relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 79:105030. [PMID: 37837669 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple Sclerosis (MS) associated cognitive impairment is believed to be mostly connected with damage to gray matter. The contribution of white matter is still poorly understood. We aim to examine the relationship between cognition and white matter tracts among relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients. METHODS Thirty RRMS patients were selected undergo the (3-seconds-interstimulus-interval paced auditory serial addition test) PASAT-3, the (symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and full-brain MRI scans on a SIEMENS 3 Tesla Verio scanner. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) parameters, such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were examined in 37 white matter (WM) tracts. WM tracts were selected from the association pathways, projection pathways, commissural pathways by applying Human Connectome project (HCP)842 tractography atlas after DTI data reconstruction and registration to HCP1065 diffusion template in DSI Studio (version March 2021) In SPSS v26, Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to examine the connection between DTI WM tracts and cognitive scores. The power of the study was increased by using false discovery rate (FDR) software. RESULTS The mean scores on the PASAT-3 and SDMT were 31.5 ± 12.8 and 46.9 ± 16.7 respectively. Better cognitive performance was correlated to higher FA values, while lower cognitive function was correlated to higher MD values. There was a positive correlation between FA values in the right medial lemniscus and superior cerebellar peduncle and SDMT scores (p 0.05). Additionally, there was a trend for significance between the FA values in the left corticothalamic tract and SDMT scores. MD values in the superior cerebellar peduncle, left arcuate Fasciculus and left extreme capsule were negatively correlated with SDMT scores (p<0.05). PASAT-3 scores were negatively correlated with MD values in the right cerebellum, however, there was no significant correlation between PASAT-3 and FA values. CONCLUSIONS White matter tracts, particularly the superior cerebellar peduncle, contribute to the cognitive impairment in RRMS. Larger sample sizes for longitudinal research are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Elkhooly
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Fen Bao
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Muhammad Raghib
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Scott Millis
- Neurology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Alshehri A, Al-iedani O, Koussis N, Khormi I, Lea R, Lechner-Scott J, Ramadan S. Stability of longitudinal DTI metrics in MS with treatment of injectables, fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate. Neuroradiol J 2023; 36:388-396. [PMID: 36395524 PMCID: PMC10588600 DOI: 10.1177/19714009221140511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diffusion MRI (dMRI) is sensitive to microstructural changes in white matter of people with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis (pw-RRMS) that lead to progressive disability. The role of diffusion in assessing the efficacy of different therapies requires more investigation. This study aimed to evaluate selected dMRI metrics in normal-appearing white matter and white matter-lesion in pw-RRMS and healthy controls longitudinally and compare the effect of therapies given. MATERIAL AND METHODS Structural and dMRI scans were acquired from 78 pw-RRMS (29 injectables, 36 fingolimod, 13 dimethyl fumarate) and 43 HCs at baseline and 2-years follow-up. Changes in dMRI metrics and correlation with clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Differences were observed in most clinical parameters between pw-RRMS and HCs at both timepoints (p ≤ 0.01). No significant differences in average changes over time were observed for any dMRI metric between treatment groups in either tissue type. Diffusion metrics in NAWM and WML correlated negatively with most cognitive domains, while FA correlated positively at baseline but only for NAWM at follow-up (p ≤ 0.05). FA correlated negatively with disability in NAWM and WML over time, while MD and RD correlated positively only in NAWM. CONCLUSIONS This is the first DTI study comparing the effect of different treatments on dMRI parameters over time in a stable cohort of pw-RRMS. The results suggest that brain microstructural changes in a stable MS cohort are similar to HCs independent of the therapies used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alshehri
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Radiology, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University King Fahd University Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oun Al-iedani
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Nikitas Koussis
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ibrahim Khormi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rodney Lea
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Saadallah Ramadan
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Chin EM, Kitase Y, Madurai NK, Robinson S, Jantzie LL. In utero methadone exposure permanently alters anatomical and functional connectivity: A preclinical evaluation. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1139378. [PMID: 36911026 PMCID: PMC9995894 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1139378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is an ongoing public health crisis, and children born following prenatal opioid exposure (POE) have increased risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral sequelae. Clinical studies have identified reduced gray matter volume and abnormal white matter microstructure in children with POE but impacts on whole-brain functional brain connectivity (FC) have not been reported. To define effects of POE on whole brain FC and white matter injury in adult animals, we performed quantitative whole-brain structural and functional MRI. We used an established rat model of POE in which we have previously reported impaired executive function in adult rats analogous to persistent neurocognitive symptoms described in humans with POE. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rat dams received continuous methadone (12 mg/kg/day) vs. saline infusion for 28 days via osmotic mini-pumps, exposing rats to pre- and postnatal opioid until weaning. At young adult age (P60), POE and saline exposed offspring underwent in vivo MRI included diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI (fMRI). Results indicate that fractional anisotropy (FA) was decreased in adult animals with POE [n = 11] compared to animals that received saline [n = 9] in major white matter tracts, including the corpus callosum (p < 0.001) and external capsule (p < 0.01). This change in FA was concomitant with reduced axial diffusivity in the external capsule (p < 0.01) and increased radial diffusivity in the corpus callosum (p < 0.01). fMRI analyses reveal brainwide FC was diffusely lower in POE (p < 10-6; 10% of variance explained by group). Decreased connectivity in cortical-cortical and cortico-basal ganglia circuitry was particularly prominent with large effect sizes (Glass's Δ > 1). Taken together, these data confirm POE reduces brainwide functional connectivity as well as microstructural integrity of major white matter tracts. Altered neural circuitry, dysregulated network refinement, and diffuse network dysfunction have been implicated in executive function deficits that are common in children with POE. FC may serve as a translatable biomarker in children with POE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Chin
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yuma Kitase
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nethra K. Madurai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shenandoah Robinson
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy and Neurodevelopmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Radial diffusivity reflects general decline rather than specific cognitive deterioration in multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21771. [PMID: 36526708 PMCID: PMC9758146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced structural brain imaging techniques, such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have been used to study the relationship between DTI-parameters and cognitive scores in multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we assessed cognitive function in 61 individuals with MS and a control group of 35 healthy individuals with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the California Verbal Learning Test-II, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, the Controlled Oral Word Association Test, and Stroop-test. We also acquired diffusion-weighted images (b = 1000; 32 directions), which were processed to obtain the following DTI scalars: fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity. The relation between DTI scalars and cognitive parameters was assessed through permutations. Although fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity did not correlate with any of the cognitive tests, mean and radial diffusivity were negatively correlated with all of these tests. However, this effect was not specific to any specific white matter tract or cognitive test and demonstrated a general effect with only low to moderate individual voxel-based correlations of <0.6. Similarly, lesion and white matter volume show a general effect with medium to high voxel-based correlations of 0.5-0.8. In conclusion, radial diffusivity is strongly related to cognitive impairment in MS. However, the strong associations of radial diffusivity with both cognition and whole brain lesion volume suggest that it is a surrogate marker for general decline in MS, rather than a marker for specific cognitive functions.
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Grothe M, Jochem K, Strauss S, Langner S, Kirsch M, Hoffeld K, Penner IK, Nagels G, Klepzig K, Domin M, Lotze M. Performance in information processing speed is associated with parietal white matter tract integrity in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:982964. [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.982964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is most frequently used to test processing speed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Functional imaging studies emphasize the importance of frontal and parietal areas for task performance, but the influence of frontoparietal tracts has not been thoroughly studied. We were interested in tract-specific characteristics and their association with processing speed in MS patients.MethodsDiffusion tensor imaging was obtained in 100 MS patients and 24 healthy matched controls to compare seed-based tract characteristics descending from the superior parietal lobule [Brodman area 7A (BA7A)], atlas-based tract characteristics from the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and control tract characteristics from the corticospinal tract (CST) and their respective association with ability on the SDMT.ResultsPatients had decreased performance on the SDMT and decreased white matter volume (each p < 0.05). The mean fractional anisotropy (FA) for the BA7A tract and CST (p < 0.05), but not the SLF, differed between MS patients and controls. Furthermore, only the FA of the SLF was positively associated with SDMT performance even after exclusion of the lesions within the tract (r = 0.25, p < 0.05). However, only disease disability and total white matter volume were associated with information processing speed in a linear regression model.ConclusionsProcessing speed in MS is associated with the structural integrity of frontoparietal white matter tracts.
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Early Successful Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Verbal Memory Impairment in an Adjustment Disorder: A Case Report in a Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis Patient. REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/reports5020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system affecting the central nervous system. Several phenotypes are possible, and cases usually present with a relapsing-remitting (RR) course with disease onset at a young age. MS diagnosis can represent a traumatic event for the patient, possibly evolving into adjustment disorder (AD). AD is defined by the presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to identifiable stress occurring within the prior three months and similarly to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly affect quality of life. Usually, neuropsychological disorders are not associated with AD. Several treatments are available for AD, and among them, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective in relieving depression and anxiety. However, little is known about AD and PTSD in the MS population and no data are available on the effectiveness of EMDR for cognitive impairment associated with AD. We describe a 25-year-old patient with RR MS developing an AD with a verbal memory deficit after being diagnosed. Both the psychological and cognitive deficits were diagnosed using an extensive neuropsychological battery. Considering the high impact of the verbal memory deficit, on the patient’s quality of life, an EMDR intervention was planned. After a six-month EMDR intervention performed by two trained neuropsychologists, the patient was retested. There was an improvement in verbal memory tests and depression anxiety scales and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. It is recognized that emotional changes and psychiatric disorders, frequently affect MS patients at diagnosis. It is imperative to recognize this and promptly set a neuropsychological treatment. Moreover, we suggest checking cognition along with depression and anxiety. Finally, to our knowledge, this is the first report of AD with an isolated neuropsychological deficit (verbal memory) developed after the MS diagnosis and treated beneficially with e EMDR. More studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of EMDR in treating cognitive impairment associated with AD in MS patients.
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Bao J, Tu H, Li Y, Sun J, Hu Z, Zhang F, Li J. Diffusion Tensor Imaging Revealed Microstructural Changes in Normal-Appearing White Matter Regions in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:837452. [PMID: 35310094 PMCID: PMC8924457 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.837452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAxons and myelin sheaths are the physical foundation for white matter (WM) to perform normal functions. Our previous study found the metabolite abnormalities in frontal, parietal, and occipital normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) regions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients by applying a 2D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging method. Since the metabolite changes may associate with the microstructure changes, we used the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) method to assess the integrity of NAWM in this study.MethodDiffusion tensor imaging scan was performed on 17 clinically definite RRMS patients and 21 age-matched healthy controls on a 3.0-T scanner. DTI metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were extracted from 19 predefined regions of interest (ROIs), which were generated by removing a mask of manually drawn probabilistic lesion map from the Johns Hopkins University white-matter atlas. The mean values of FA, MD, AD, and RD were compared between different groups in the same ROIs.ResultsA probabilistic lesion map was successfully generated, and the lesion regions were eliminated from the WM atlas. We found that the RRMS patients had significantly lower FA in the entire corpus callosum (CC), bilateral of anterior corona radiata, and right posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). At the same time, RRMS patients showed significantly higher MD in the bilateral anterior corona radiata and superior corona radiata. Moreover, all AD values increased, and the bilateral external capsule, PTR, and left tapetum NAWM show statistical significance. What is more, all NAWM tracts showed increasing RD values in RRMS patients, and the bilateral superior corona radiata, the anterior corona radiata, right PTR, and the genu CC reach statistical significance.ConclusionOur study revealed widespread microstructure changes in NAWM in RRMS patients through a ready-made WM atlas and probabilistic lesion map. These findings support the hypothesis of demyelination, accumulation of inflammatory cells, and axonal injury in NAWM for RRMS. The DTI-based metrics could be considered as potential non-invasive biomarkers of disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Bao
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Tu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yijia Li
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jubao Sun
- MRI Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Fengshou Zhang
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- *Correspondence: Fengshou Zhang,
| | - Jinghua Li
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Jinghua Li,
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Gu XQ, Liu Y, Gu JB, Li LF, Fu LL, Han XM. Correlations between hippocampal functional connectivity, structural changes, and clinical data in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a case-control study using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1115-1124. [PMID: 34558540 PMCID: PMC8552851 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.324855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is associated with structural and functional brain alterations leading to cognitive impairments across multiple domains including attention, memory, and the speed of information processing. The hippocampus, which is a brain important structure involved in memory, undergoes microstructural changes in the early stage of multiple sclerosis. In this study, we analyzed hippocampal function and structure in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and explored correlations between the functional connectivity of the hippocampus to the whole brain, changes in local brain function and microstructure, and cognitive function at rest. We retrospectively analyzed data from 20 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients admitted to the Department of Neurology at the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, China, from April 2015 to November 2019. Sixteen healthy volunteers were recruited as the healthy control group. All participants were evaluated using a scale of extended disability status and the Montreal cognitive assessment within 1 week before and after head diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with the healthy control group, the patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis had lower Montreal cognitive assessment scores and regions of simultaneously enhanced and attenuated whole-brain functional connectivity and local functional connectivity in the bilateral hippocampus. Hippocampal diffusion tensor imaging data showed that, compared with the healthy control group, patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis had lower hippocampal fractional anisotropy values and higher mean diffusivity values, suggesting abnormal hippocampal structure. The left hippocampus whole-brain functional connectivity was negatively correlated with the Montreal cognitive assessment score (r = −0.698, P = 0.025), and whole-brain functional connectivity of the right hippocampus was negatively correlated with extended disability status scale score (r = −0.649, P = 0.042). The mean diffusivity value of the left hippocampus was negatively correlated with the Montreal cognitive assessment score (r = −0.729, P = 0.017) and positively correlated with the extended disability status scale score (r = 0.653, P = 0.041). The right hippocampal mean diffusivity value was positively correlated with the extended disability status scale score (r = 0.684, P = 0.029). These data suggest that the functional connectivity and presence of structural abnormalities in the hippocampus in patients with relapse-remission multiple sclerosis are correlated with the degree of cognitive function and extent of disability. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, China (approval No. 201702202) on February 22, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Quan Gu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Cardre's Ward, Changchun Central hospital, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jie-Bing Gu
- First Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lin-Fang Li
- First Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ling-Ling Fu
- First Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Mei Han
- First Department of Neurology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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12
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Govindarajan ST, Liu Y, Parra Corral MA, Bangiyev L, Krupp L, Charvet L, Duong TQ. White matter correlates of slowed information processing speed in unimpaired multiple sclerosis patients with young age onset. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:1460-1468. [PMID: 32748319 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Slowed information processing speed is among the earliest markers of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been associated with white matter (WM) structural integrity. Localization of WM tracts associated with slowing, but not significant impairment, on specific cognitive tasks in pediatric and young age onset MS can facilitate early and effective therapeutic intervention. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected on 25 MS patients and 24 controls who also underwent the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the computer-based Cogstate simple and choice reaction time tests. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), radial (RD) and axial (AD) diffusivities were correlated voxel-wise with processing speed measures. All DTI metrics of several white matter tracts were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Notably, higher MD, RD, and AD, but not FA, in the corpus callosum correlated with lower scores on both SDMT and simple reaction time. Additionally, all diffusivity metrics in the left corticospinal tract correlated negatively with SDMT scores, whereas only MD in the right superior fronto-occipital fasciculus correlated with simple reaction time. In conclusion, subtle slowing of processing speed is correlated with WM damage in the visual-motor processing pathways in patients with young age of MS onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Lev Bangiyev
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Krupp
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leigh Charvet
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim Q Duong
- Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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13
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Randers L, Jepsen JRM, Fagerlund B, Nordholm D, Krakauer K, Hjorthøj C, Glenthøj B, Nordentoft M. Generalized neurocognitive impairment in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis: The possible key role of slowed processing speed. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01962. [PMID: 33486897 PMCID: PMC7994693 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Widespread neurocognitive impairment is well-established in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for developing psychoses, but it is unknown whether slowed processing speed may underlie impairment in other neurocognitive domains, as found in schizophrenia. The study delineated domain functioning in a UHR sample and examined if neurocognitive slowing might account for deficits across domains. METHODS The cross-sectional study included 50 UHR individuals with no (n = 38) or minimal antipsychotic exposure (n = 12; mean lifetime dose of haloperidol equivalent = 17.56 mg; SD = 13.04) and 50 matched healthy controls. Primary analyses compared group performance across neurocognitive domains before and after covarying for processing speed. To examine the specificity of processing speed effects, post hoc analyses examined the impact of the other neurocognitive domains and intelligence as covariates. RESULTS UHR individuals exhibited significant impairment across all neurocognitive domains (all ps ≤ .010), with medium to large effect sizes (Cohen's ds = -0.53 to -1.12). Only processing speed used as covariate eliminated significant between-group differences in all other domains, reducing unadjusted Cohen's d values with 68% on average, whereas the other domains used as covariates averagely reduced unadjusted Cohen's d values with 20% to 48%. When covarying each of the other domains after their shared variance with speed of processing was removed, all significant between-group domain differences remained (all ps ≤ .024). CONCLUSION Slowed processing speed may underlie generalized neurocognitive impairment in UHR individuals and represent a potential intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Randers
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jens Richardt Møllegaard Jepsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health CenterMental Health Services Capital Region of DenmarkCopenhagen University HospitalDenmark
| | - Birgitte Fagerlund
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Faculty of Social SciencesDepartment of PsychologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Dorte Nordholm
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Functional Imaging UnitDepartment of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PETCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletGlostrupDenmark
| | - Kristine Krakauer
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Functional Imaging UnitDepartment of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PETCopenhagen University Hospital RigshospitaletGlostrupDenmark
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesDepartment of Public HealthSection of EpidemiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Birte Glenthøj
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health ‐ COREMental Health Center CopenhagenCopenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS)Mental Health Center GlostrupCopenhagen University HospitalGlostrupDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesDepartment of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Changes in structural and functional connectivity during two years of fingolimod therapy for multiple sclerosis. Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 74:113-120. [PMID: 32956806 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fingolimod, an oral drug, has been reported to reduce relapse rate in multiple sclerosis (MS). However disease progression may still occur in spite of control of inflammation. Functional imbalances within and between cerebral networks associated with disruption of structural and functional network integrity, have been reported in MS. An effective therapy is expected to stabilize such functional network integrity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in structural and resting-state functional connectivity of motor and cognitive networks, and associated changes in neurologic scores in MS, during 2 years of fingolimod therapy. METHODS Twenty five subjects with MS were recruited for this study. Subjects were scanned with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) scan protocol at 3 T with 6-month interval over a period of 2 years. Neurologic performance scores of motor and cognitive performances were also obtained. RESULTS DTI measures worsened during the 1st year and then stabilized; any trend of stabilization of fcMRI was delayed until the 2nd year. While motor performance did not change, cognitive performance showed improvement. Several baseline DTI measures correlated with relevant neurologic scores. CONCLUSION Initial worsening of motor and cognitive network was reported after 1 year of treatment, but seems DTI and fcMRI measures seem to stabilize after around one year fingolimod therapy.
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Beier M, Alschuler K, Amtmann D, Hughes A, Madathil R, Ehde D. iCAMS: Assessing the Reliability of a Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) Tablet Application. Int J MS Care 2020; 22:67-74. [PMID: 32410901 DOI: 10.7224/1537-2073.2018-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to develop a Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) tablet application, "iCAMS," and examine equivalency between the original paper-based and the tablet-based assessments. Methods This study enrolled 100 participants with physician-confirmed multiple sclerosis (MS). Interrater reliability, parallel forms reliability, and concurrent validity were evaluated by incorporating two test administrators in each session: one scoring participant responses with the original paper assessments and the other with iCAMS. Although the participant was exposed to the material only once, responses were recorded on both administration methods. In addition to the standard test procedures, each research assistant used a stopwatch to measure the amount of time required to administer and score each version of BICAMS. Results Pearson correlation coefficients (r) revealed strong and significant correlations for all three tests. Excellent agreement was observed between iCAMS and paper versions of the BICAMS tests, with all intraclass correlation coefficients exceeding 0.93. The scores from all the cognitive tests were not statistically significantly different, indicating no proportional bias. Including scoring, administration of the iCAMS application saved approximately 10 minutes over the paper version. Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest that the tablet application iCAMS is a reliable and fast method for administering BICAMS.
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Zhang J, Giorgio A, Vinciguerra C, Stromillo ML, Battaglini M, Mortilla M, Tappa Brocci R, Portaccio E, Amato MP, De Stefano N. Gray matter atrophy cannot be fully explained by white matter damage in patients with MS. Mult Scler 2020; 27:39-51. [PMID: 31976807 DOI: 10.1177/1352458519900972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Source-based morphometry (SBM) was recently used for non-random "patterns" of gray matter (GM) atrophy or white matter (WM) microstructural damage. OBJECTIVE To assess whether and to what extent such patterns may be inter-related in MS. METHODS SBM was applied to images of GM concentration and fractional anisotropy (FA) in MS patients (n = 41, median EDSS = 1) and normal controls (NC, n = 28). The same procedure was repeated on an independent and similar data set (39 MS patients and 13 NC). RESULTS We found in MS patterns of GM atrophy and reduced FA (p < 0.05, corrected). Deep GM atrophy was mostly (70%) explained by lesion load in projection tracts and lower FA in posterior corona radiata and thalamic radiation. By contrast, sensorimotor and posterior cortex atrophy was less (50%) dependent from WM damage. All patterns correlated with EDSS (r from -0.33 to -0.56, p < 0.03) while the only cognition-related correlation was between posterior GM atrophy pattern and processing speed (r = 0.45, p = 0.014). Reliability analysis showed similar results. CONCLUSION In relatively early MS, we found a close link between deep GM atrophy pattern and WM damage while sensorimotor and posterior cortex patterns were partially independent from WM damage and perhaps related to primary mechanisms. Patterns were clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Giorgio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Vinciguerra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Marco Battaglini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Neuroscience Division, University of Florence, Florence, Italy/IRCCS Don Gnocchi Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Meijer KA, Steenwijk MD, Douw L, Schoonheim MM, Geurts JJG. Long-range connections are more severely damaged and relevant for cognition in multiple sclerosis. Brain 2020; 143:150-160. [PMID: 31730165 PMCID: PMC6938033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient network such as the human brain features a combination of global integration of information, driven by long-range connections, and local processing involving short-range connections. Whether these connections are equally damaged in multiple sclerosis is unknown, as is their relevance for cognitive impairment and brain function. Therefore, we cross-sectionally investigated the association between damage to short- and long-range connections with structural network efficiency, the functional connectome and cognition. From the Amsterdam multiple sclerosis cohort, 133 patients (age = 54.2 ± 9.6) with long-standing multiple sclerosis and 48 healthy controls (age = 50.8 ± 7.0) with neuropsychological testing and MRI were included. Structural connectivity was estimated from diffusion tensor images using probabilistic tractography (MRtrix 3.0) between pairs of brain regions. Structural connections were divided into short- (length < quartile 1) and long-range (length > quartile 3) connections, based on the mean distribution of tract lengths in healthy controls. To determine the severity of damage within these connections, (i) fractional anisotropy as a measure for integrity; (ii) total number of fibres; and (iii) percentage of tract affected by lesions were computed for each connecting tract and averaged for short- and long-range connections separately. To investigate the impact of damage in these connections for structural network efficiency, global efficiency was computed. Additionally, resting-state functional connectivity was computed between each pair of brain regions, after artefact removal with FMRIB's ICA-based X-noiseifier. The functional connectivity similarity index was computed by correlating individual functional connectivity matrices with an average healthy control connectivity matrix. Our results showed that the structural network had a reduced efficiency and integrity in multiple sclerosis relative to healthy controls (both P < 0.05). The long-range connections showed the largest reduction in fractional anisotropy (z = -1.03, P < 0.001) and total number of fibres (z = -0.44, P < 0.01), whereas in the short-range connections only fractional anisotropy was affected (z = -0.34, P = 0.03). Long-range connections also demonstrated a higher percentage of tract affected by lesions than short-range connections, independent of tract length (P < 0.001). Damage to long-range connections was more strongly related to structural network efficiency and cognition (fractional anisotropy: r = 0.329 and r = 0.447. number of fibres r = 0.321 and r = 0.278. and percentage of lesions: r = -0.219; r = -0.426, respectively) than damage to short-range connections. Only damage to long-distance connections correlated with a more abnormal functional network (fractional anisotropy: r = 0.226). Our findings indicate that long-range connections are more severely affected by multiple sclerosis-specific damage than short-range connections. Moreover compared to short-range connections, damage to long-range connections better explains network efficiency and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Meijer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn D Steenwijk
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Douw
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Valdés Cabrera D, Stobbe R, Smyth P, Giuliani F, Emery D, Beaulieu C. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography reveals altered fornix in all diagnostic subtypes of multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01514. [PMID: 31858742 PMCID: PMC6955822 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has shown abnormalities of the fornix and other limbic white matter tracts in multiple sclerosis (MS), mainly focusing on relapsing-remitting MS. METHODS The goal here was to evaluate the fornix, cingulum, and uncinate fasciculus with DTI tractography at 1.7 mm isotropic resolution in three MS subgroups (11 relapsing-remitting (RRMS), nine secondary progressive (SPMS), eight primary progressive (PPMS)) versus 11 controls, and assess correlations with cognitive and clinical scores. RESULTS The MS group overall showed extensive diffusion abnormalities of the fornix with less volume, lower fractional anisotropy (FA), and higher mean and radial diffusivities, which were similarly affected in all three MS subgroups. The uncinate fasciculus had lower FA only in the secondary progressive subgroup, and the cingulum had no DTI differences in any MS subgroup. The FA and/or volumes of these tracts correlated negatively with larger total lesion volume. The only DTI-cognitive correlation was lower right cingulum FA and greater depression over the entire MS cohort. CONCLUSIONS Diffusion tractography identified abnormalities in the fornix that appears to be affected early and consistently across all three primary MS phenotypes of RRMS, SPMS, and PPMS regardless of Expanded Disability Status Scale, time since diagnosis, or cognitive scores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Stobbe
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Penelope Smyth
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | | | - Derek Emery
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
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Sun P, George A, Perantie DC, Trinkaus K, Ye Z, Naismith RT, Song SK, Cross AH. Diffusion basis spectrum imaging provides insights into MS pathology. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2019; 7:7/2/e655. [PMID: 31871296 PMCID: PMC7011117 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective To use diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) to assess how damage to normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in the corpus callosum (CC) influences neurologic impairment in people with MS (pwMS). Methods Using standard MRI, the primary pathologies in MS of axonal injury/loss, demyelination, and inflammation are not differentiated well. DBSI has been shown in animal models, phantoms, and in biopsied and autopsied human CNS tissues to distinguish these pathologies. Fifty-five pwMS (22 relapsing-remitting, 17 primary progressive, and 16 secondary progressive) and 13 healthy subjects underwent DBSI analyses of NAWM of the CC, the main WM tract connecting the cerebral hemispheres. Tract-based spatial statistics were used to minimize misalignment. Results were correlated with scores from a battery of clinical tests focused on deficits typical of MS. Results Normal-appearing CC in pwMS showed reduced fiber fraction and increased nonrestricted isotropic fraction, with the most extensive abnormalities in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Reduced DBSI-derived fiber fraction and increased DBSI-derived nonrestricted isotropic fraction of the CC correlated with worse cognitive scores in pwMS. Increased nonrestricted isotropic fraction in the body of the CC correlated with impaired hand function in the SPMS cohort. Conclusions DBSI fiber fraction and nonrestricted isotropic fraction were the most useful markers of injury in the NAWM CC. These 2 DBSI measures reflect axon loss in animal models. Because of its ability to reveal axonal loss, as well as demyelination, DBSI may be a useful outcome measure for trials of CNS reparative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sun
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Ajit George
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Dana C Perantie
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Kathryn Trinkaus
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Zezhong Ye
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Robert T Naismith
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Sheng-Kwei Song
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO
| | - Anne H Cross
- From the Radiology (P.S., A.G., Z.Y., S.-K.S.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; Neurology (D.C.P., R.T.N., A.H.C.), Washington University in Saint Louis, MO; and Biostatistics Shared Resource (K.T.), Washington University in Saint Louis, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
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20
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Hippocampal damage and white matter lesions contribute to cognitive impairment in MPTP-lesioned mice with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Behav Brain Res 2019; 368:111885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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21
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Tóth E, Faragó P, Király A, Szabó N, Veréb D, Kocsis K, Kincses B, Sandi D, Bencsik K, Vécsei L, Kincses ZT. The Contribution of Various MRI Parameters to Clinical and Cognitive Disability in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2019; 9:1172. [PMID: 30728801 PMCID: PMC6351478 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Next to the disseminated clinical symptoms, cognitive dysfunctions are common features of multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the recent years several different MRI measures became available representing the various features of the pathology, but the contribution to various clinical and cognitive functions is not yet fully understood. In this multiparametric MRI study we set out to identify the set of parameters that best predict the clinical and cognitive disability in MS. High resolution T1 weighted structural and high angular resolution diffusion MRI images were measured in 53 patients with relapsing remitting MS and 53 healthy controls. Clinical disability was inflicted by EDSS and cognitive functions were evaluated with the BICAMS tests. The contribution of lesion load, partial brain, white matter, gray matter and subcortical volumes as well as the diffusion parameters in the area of the lesions and the normal appearing white matter were examined by model free, partial least square (PLS) approach. Significance of the predictors was tested with Variable Importance in the Projection (VIP) score and 1 was used for threshold of significance. The PLS analysis indicated that the axial diffusivity of the NAWM contributed the most to the clinical disability (VIP score: 1.979). For the visuo-spatial working memory the most critical contributor was the size of the bilateral hippocampi (VIP scores: 1.183 and 1.2 left and right respectively). For the verbal memory the best predictors were the size of the right hippocampus (VIP score: 1.972), lesion load (VIP score: 1.274) and the partial brain volume (VIP score: 1.119). In case of the information processing speed the most significant contribution was from the diffusion parameters (fractional anisotropy, mean and radial diffusivity, VIP scores: 1.615, 1.321 respectively) of the normal appearing white matter. Our results indicate that various MRI measurable factors of MS pathology contribute differently to clinical and cognitive disability. These results point out the importance of the volumetry of the subcortical structures and the diffusion measures of the white matter in understanding the disability progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Tóth
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Faragó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Király
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Veréb
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Kocsis
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kincses
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsigmond Tamás Kincses
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Radiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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22
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Matias-Guiu JA, Cortés-Martínez A, Montero P, Pytel V, Moreno-Ramos T, Jorquera M, Yus M, Arrazola J, Matías-Guiu J. Structural MRI correlates of PASAT performance in multiple sclerosis. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:214. [PMID: 30572821 PMCID: PMC6300910 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is a useful cognitive test in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), assessing sustained attention and information processing speed. However, the neural underpinnings of performance in the test are controversial. We aimed to study the neural basis of PASAT performance by using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a series of 242 patients with MS. Methods PASAT (3-s) was administered together with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Global brain volumes and total T2-weighted lesion volumes were estimated. Voxel-based morphometry and lesion symptom mapping analyses were performed. Results Mean PASAT score was 42.98 ± 10.44; results indicated impairment in 75 cases (31.0%). PASAT score was correlated with several clusters involving the following regions: bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate, bilateral caudate and putamen, and bilateral cerebellum. Voxel-based lesion symptom mapping showed no significant clusters. Region of interest–based analysis restricted to white matter regions revealed a correlation with the left cingulum, corpus callosum, bilateral corticospinal tracts, and right arcuate fasciculus. Correlations between PASAT scores and global volumes were weak. Conclusion PASAT score was associated with regional volumes of the posterior cingulate/precuneus and several subcortical structures, specifically the caudate, putamen, and cerebellum. This emphasises the role of both cortical and subcortical structures in cognitive functioning and information processing speed in patients with MS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1223-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi A Matias-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Cortés-Martínez
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Montero
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Pytel
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Moreno-Ramos
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Jorquera
- Department of Radiology, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Yus
- Department of Radiology, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Arrazola
- Department of Radiology, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Matías-Guiu
- Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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23
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Megna R, Alfano B, Lanzillo R, Costabile T, Comerci M, Vacca G, Carotenuto A, Moccia M, Servillo G, Prinster A, Brescia Morra V, Quarantelli M. Brain tissue volumes and relaxation rates in multiple sclerosis: implications for cognitive impairment. J Neurol 2018; 266:361-368. [PMID: 30498912 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-9139-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both normal gray matter atrophy and brain tissue relaxation rates, in addition to total lesion volume, have shown significant correlations with cognitive test scores in multiple sclerosis (MS). Aim of the study was to assess the relative contributions of macro- and microstructural changes of both normal and abnormal brain tissues, probed, respectively, by their volumes and relaxation rates, to the cognitive status and physical disability of MS patients. METHODS MRI studies from 241 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were retrospectively analyzed by fully automated multiparametric relaxometric segmentation. Ordinal backward regression analysis was applied to the resulting volumes and relaxation rates of both normal (gray matter, normal-appearing white matter and CSF) and abnormal (T2-weighted lesions) brain tissues, controlling for age, sex and disease duration, to identify the main independent contributors to the cognitive status, as measured by the percentage of failed tests at a cognitive test battery (Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery and Stroop test, available in 186 patients), and to the physical disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS The R1 relaxation rate (a putative marker of tissue disruption) of the MS lesions appeared the single most significant contributor to cognitive impairment (p < 0.001). On the contrary, the EDSS appeared mainly affected by the decrease in R2 of the gray matter (p < 0.0001), (possibly influenced by cortical plaques, edema and inflammation). CONCLUSIONS In RR-MS the tissue damage in white matter lesions appears the single main determinant of the cognitive status of patients, likely through disconnection phenomena, while the physical disability appears related to the involvement of gray matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Megna
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Via De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Alfano
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Via De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Costabile
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Comerci
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Via De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vacca
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Servillo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Prinster
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Via De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Quarantelli
- Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Via De Amicis, 95, 80145, Naples, Italy.
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24
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Tobyne SM, Ochoa WB, Bireley JD, Smith VM, Geurts JJ, Schmahmann JD, Klawiter EC. Cognitive impairment and the regional distribution of cerebellar lesions in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2018; 24:1687-1695. [PMID: 28933672 PMCID: PMC8673326 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517730132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebellar lesions are often reported in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and have been associated with impaired motor function and cognitive status. However, prior research has primarily focused on summary measures of cerebellar involvement (e.g. total lesion load, gray/white matter volume) and not on the effect of lesion load within specific regions of cerebellar white matter. OBJECTIVE Spatially map the probability of cerebellar white matter lesion (CWML) occurrence in RRMS and explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and lesion (CWML) location within the cerebellum. METHODS High-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired on 16 cognitively impaired (CI) and 15 cognitively preserved (CP) RRMS subjects at 3T and used for lesion identification and voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM). RESULTS CI RRMS demonstrated a predilection for the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP). VLSM results indicate that lesions of the MCP are significantly associated with CI in RRMS. Measures of cerebellar lesion load were correlated with age at disease onset but not disease duration. CONCLUSION A specific pattern of cerebellar lesions involving the MCP, rather than the total CWML load, contributes to cognitive dysfunction in RRMS. Cerebellar lesion profiles may provide a biomarker of current or evolving risk for cognitive status change in RRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Tobyne
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wilson B Ochoa
- Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Daniel Bireley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Mj Smith
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeroen Jg Geurts
- Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eric C Klawiter
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Li HQ, Yin B, Quan C, Geng DY, Yu H, Bao YF, Liu J, Li YX. Evaluation of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using tract-based spatial statistics analysis: diffusion kurtosis imaging. BMC Neurol 2018; 18:108. [PMID: 30086721 PMCID: PMC6080417 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-018-1108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) has the potential to provide microstructural insights into myelin and axonal pathology with additional kurtosis parameters. To our knowledge, few studies are available in the current literature using DKI by tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study is to assess the performance of commonly used parameters derived from DKI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in detecting microstructural changes and associated pathology in relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). Methods Thirty-six patients with RRMS and 49 age and sex matched healthy controls underwent DKI. The brain tissue integrity was assessed by fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (Da), radial diffusivity (Dr), mean kurtosis (MK), axial kurtosis (Ka) and radial kurtosis (Kr) of DKI and FA, MD, Da and Dr of DTI. Group differences in these parameters were compared using TBSS (P < 0.01, corrected). To compare the sensitivity of these parameters in detecting white matter (WM) damage, the percentage of the abnormal voxels based on TBSS analysis, relative to the whole skeleton voxels for each parameter was calculated. Results The sensitivities in detecting WM abnormality in RRMS were MK (78.2%) > Kr (76.7%) > Ka (53.5%) and Dr (78.8%) > MD (76.7%) > FA (74.1%) > Da (28.3%) for DKI, and Dr (79.8%) > MD (79.5%) > FA (68.6%) > Da (40.1%) for DTI. DKI-derived diffusion parameters (FA, MD, and Dr) were sensitive for detecting abnormality in WM regions with coherent fiber arrangement; however, the kurtosis parameters (MK and Kr) were sensitive to discern abnormalities in WM regions with complex fiber arrangement. Conclusions The diffusion and kurtosis parameters could provide complementary information for revealing brain microstructural damage in RRMS. Dr and DKI_Kr may be regarded as useful surrogate markers for reflecting pathological changes in RRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Qing Li
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Chao Quan
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dao Ying Geng
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai, 200040, China.,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Yu
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Fang Bao
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, 128 Ruili Rd, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yu Xin Li
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle, Shanghai, 200040, China. .,Institute of Functional and Molecular Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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26
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Glass JO, Ogg RJ, Hyun JW, Harreld JH, Schreiber JE, Palmer SL, Li Y, Gajjar AJ, Reddick WE. Disrupted development and integrity of frontal white matter in patients treated for pediatric medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2018; 19:1408-1418. [PMID: 28541578 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of pediatric medulloblastoma is associated with known neurocognitive deficits that we hypothesize are caused by microstructural damage to frontal white matter (WM). Methods Longitudinal MRI examinations were collected from baseline (after surgery but before therapy) to 36 months in 146 patients and at 3 time points in 72 controls. Regional analyses of frontal WM volume and diffusion tensor imaging metrics were performed and verified with tract-based spatial statistics. Age-adjusted, linear mixed-effects models were used to compare patient and control images and to associate imaging changes with Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities. Results At baseline, WM volumes in patients were similar to those in controls; fractional anisotropy (FA) was lower bilaterally (P < 0.001) and was associated with decreased Processing Speed (P = 0.014) and Broad Attention (P = 0.025) performance at 36 months. During follow-up, WM volumes increased in controls but decreased in patients (P < 0.001) bilaterally. Smaller WM volumes in patients at 36 months were associated with concurrent decreased Working Memory (P = 0.026) performance. Conclusions Lower FA in patients with pediatric medulloblastoma compared with age-similar controls indicated that patients suffer substantial acute microstructural damage to supratentorial frontal WM following surgery but before radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Additionally, this damage to the frontal WM was associated with decreased cognitive performance in executive function 36 months later. This early damage also likely contributed to posttherapeutic failure of age-appropriate WM development and to the known association between decreased WM volumes and decreased cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O Glass
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Robert J Ogg
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jung W Hyun
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Julie H Harreld
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jane E Schreiber
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shawna L Palmer
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Yimei Li
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Amar J Gajjar
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wilburn E Reddick
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging, Biostatistics, Psychology, and Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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27
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Manca R, Sharrack B, Paling D, Wilkinson ID, Venneri A. Brain connectivity and cognitive processing speed in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci 2018; 388:115-127. [PMID: 29627004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Processing speed (PS) decline is the most commonly observed cognitive deficit in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) resulting in a significant impact on quality of life. Despite its importance, knowledge of the underlying neural substrates is lacking. OBJECTIVE As MS is increasingly recognised as a disconnection syndrome, our aim was to carry out a systematic literature review to clarify the relationship between PS performance and MRI measures of structural and functional brain connectivity in people with MS. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out on PubMed and Web of Science that included publications predating September 2017. Additional articles were added after inspection of the reference lists of all selected papers. DATA EXTRACTION All selected papers were categorised in three sections according to the MRI measures investigated, independently or both. Quality assessment was carried out using a customised set of criteria. RESULTS Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Microstructural integrity of the anterior corpus callosum and functional connectivity of frontal areas were more consistently found to correlate with PS performance, though high variability of findings was observed across studies. Several methodological flaws emerged from the reviewed literature. CONCLUSIONS Despite the observed trends, no definite conclusions can be drawn on the relationship between brain connectivity and PS decline in MS given the limitations of the current literature. Future investigations may benefit from theoretical and methodological advances to clarify how MS-related brain damage affects patients' cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Manca
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Basil Sharrack
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Paling
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Iain D Wilkinson
- Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Annalena Venneri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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28
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Sun J, Zhou H, Bai F, Ren Q, Zhang Z. Myelin injury induces axonal transport impairment but not AD-like pathology in the hippocampus of cuprizone-fed mice. Oncotarget 2017; 7:30003-17. [PMID: 27129150 PMCID: PMC5058659 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Both multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are progressive neurological disorders with myelin injury and memory impairment. However, whether myelin impairment could cause AD-like neurological pathology remains unclear. To explore neurological pathology following myelin injury, we assessed cognitive function, the expression of myelin proteins, axonal transport-associated proteins, axonal structural proteins, synapse-associated proteins, tau and beta amyloid and the status of neurons, using the cuprizone mouse model of demyelination. We found the mild impairment of learning ability in cuprizone-fed mice and the decreased expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the hippocampus. And anti-LINGO-1 improved learning ability and partly restored MBP level. Furthermore, we also found kinesin light chain (KLC), neurofilament light chain (NFL) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF200) were declined in demyelinated hippocampus, which could be partly improved by treatment with anti-LINGO-1. However, we did not observe the increased expression of beta amyloid, hyperphosphorylation of tau and loss of neurons in demyelinated hippocampus. Our results suggest that demyelination might lead to the impairment of neuronal transport, but not cause increased level of hyperphosphorylated tau and beta amyloid. Our research demonstrates remyelination might be an effective pathway to recover the function of neuronal axons and cognition in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Sun
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingguo Ren
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Affiliated ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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29
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Koini M, Rombouts SARB, Veer IM, Van Buchem MA, Huijbregts SCJ. White matter microstructure of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 and its relation to inhibitory control. Brain Imaging Behav 2017; 11:1731-1740. [PMID: 27796732 PMCID: PMC5707233 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-016-9641-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is commonly associated with deficits in executive functions such as working memory and inhibitory control. A valid biomarker to describe the pathological basis of these deficits in NF1 is not available. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any abnormalities in white matter integrity of the executive function related anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), cingulate bundle (CB), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) may be regarded as a pathological basis for inhibitory control deficits in adolescents with NF1. Sixteen NF1 patients and 32 healthy controls underwent 3 T DTI MRI scanning. Whole brain-, ATR-, CB-, and SLF-white matter integrity were studied using fractional anisotropy, mean (MD), radial, and axial (DA) diffusivity. Correlation analyses between white matter metrics and inhibitory control (as measured with a computerized task) were performed. Also, verbal and performance abilities (IQ-estimates) were assessed and correlated with white matter metrics. Patients showed significant whole brain- and local microstructural pathology when compared to healthy controls in all measures. In NF1-patients, whole-brain (MD: r = .646 and DA: r = .673) and ATR- (r-range: -.405-.771), but not the CB- (r-range: -.307-.472) and SLF- (r-range: -.187-.406) white matter integrity, were correlated with inhibitory control. Verbal and performance abilities were not associated with white matter pathology. In NF1, white matter abnormalities are observed throughout the brain, but damage to the ATR seems specifically, or at least most strongly related to inhibitory control. Future studies should examine whether reduced white matter integrity in other brain regions or tracts is (more strongly) associated with different aspects of the cognitive-behavioral phenotype associated with NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Koini
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, A-8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - S A R B Rombouts
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - I M Veer
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Mind and Brain Research, Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M A Van Buchem
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S C J Huijbregts
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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30
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Riccitelli GC, Pagani E, Rodegher M, Colombo B, Preziosa P, Falini A, Comi G, Filippi M, Rocca MA. Imaging patterns of gray and white matter abnormalities associated with PASAT and SDMT performance in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2017; 25:204-216. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458517743091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To map the regional patterns of white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities and gray matter (GM) atrophy exclusively associated with reduced performance in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) in relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: In all, 177 RRMS patients and 80 healthy controls (HC) were studied. WM microstructural abnormalities were investigated on diffusion tensor images using tract-based spatial statistics analysis, and regional GM atrophy was estimated on three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted images using voxel-based morphometry. Results: Compared to HC, RRMS patients showed the expected pattern of cortical–subcortical GM atrophy and WM microstructural abnormalities. In patients, diffusivity abnormalities of supratentorial WM tracts correlated with both SDMT and PASAT scores. Lower SDMT performance was also associated with WM damage in several infratentorial WM tracts. Lower SDMT scores correlated with atrophy of the right anterior cingulate cortex, left postcentral gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus, whereas lower PASAT scores correlated with atrophy of the deep GM nuclei, bilaterally, and several fronto-temporo-occipital regions. Conclusion: In RRMS patients, regional damage of different neural systems helps explaining reduced performance in SDMT and PASAT. WM microstructural damage typified reduced SDMT performance, whereas atrophy of several GM regions distinguished reduced PASAT performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna C Riccitelli
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pagani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariaemma Rodegher
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Bruno Colombo
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- 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
| | - Andrea Falini
- Department of Neuroradiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 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, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- 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
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Mahajan KR, Ontaneda D. The Role of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:905-923. [PMID: 28770481 PMCID: PMC5722766 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging has been crucial in the development of anti-inflammatory disease-modifying treatments. The current landscape of multiple sclerosis clinical trials is currently expanding to include testing not only of anti-inflammatory agents, but also neuroprotective, remyelinating, neuromodulating, and restorative therapies. This is especially true of therapies targeting progressive forms of the disease where neurodegeneration is a prominent feature. Imaging techniques of the brain and spinal cord have rapidly evolved in the last decade to permit in vivo characterization of tissue microstructural changes, connectivity, metabolic changes, neuronal loss, glial activity, and demyelination. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques hold significant promise for accelerating the development of different treatment modalities targeting a variety of pathways in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedar R Mahajan
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, U-10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, U-10, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Expression and Differential Responsiveness of Central Nervous System Glial Cell Populations to the Acute Phase Protein Serum Amyloid A. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12158. [PMID: 28939905 PMCID: PMC5610307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute-phase response is a systemic reaction to environmental/inflammatory insults and involves hepatic production of acute-phase proteins, including serum amyloid A (SAA). Extrahepatically, SAA immunoreactivity is found in axonal myelin sheaths of cortex in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS), although its cellular origin is unclear. We examined the responses of cultured rat cortical astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to master pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and lipopolysaccaride (LPS). TNF-α time-dependently increased Saa1 (but not Saa3) mRNA expression in purified microglia, enriched astrocytes, and OPCs (as did LPS for microglia and astrocytes). Astrocytes depleted of microglia were markedly less responsive to TNF-α and LPS, even after re-addition of microglia. Microglia and enriched astrocytes showed complementary Saa1 expression profiles following TNF-α or LPS challenge, being higher in microglia with TNF-α and higher in astrocytes with LPS. Recombinant human apo-SAA stimulated production of both inflammatory mediators and its own mRNA in microglia and enriched, but not microglia-depleted astrocytes. Co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin, an established anti-inflammatory/ neuroprotective agent, reduced Saa1 expression in OPCs subjected to TNF-α treatment. These last data, together with past findings suggest that co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin may be a novel approach in the treatment of inflammatory demyelinating disorders like MS.
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Moroso A, Ruet A, Lamargue-Hamel D, Munsch F, Deloire M, Coupé P, Charré-Morin J, Saubusse A, Ouallet JC, Planche V, Tourdias T, Dousset V, Brochet B. Microstructural analyses of the posterior cerebellar lobules in relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis and their implication in cognitive impairment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182479. [PMID: 28792528 PMCID: PMC5549727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The posterior cerebellar lobules seem to be the anatomical substrate of cognitive cerebellar processes, but their microstructural alterations in multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To correlate diffusion metrics in lobules VI to VIIIb in persons with clinically isolated syndrome (PwCIS) and in cognitively impaired persons with MS (CIPwMS) with their cognitive performances. METHODS Sixty-nine patients (37 PwCIS, 32 CIPwMS) and 36 matched healthy subjects (HS) underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging, including 3D T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated within each lobule and in the cerebellar peduncles. We investigated the correlations between cognitive outcomes and the diffusion parameters of cerebellar sub-structures and performed multiple linear regression analysis to predict cognitive disability. RESULTS FA was generally lower and MD was higher in the cerebellum and specifically in the vermis Crus II, lobules VIIb and VIIIb in CIPwMS compared with PwCIS and HS. In hierarchical regression analyses, 31% of the working memory z score variance was explained by FA in the left lobule VI and in the left superior peduncle. Working memory was also associated with MD in the vermis Crus II. FA in the left lobule VI and right VIIIa predicted part of the information processing speed (IPS) z scores. CONCLUSION DTI indicators of cerebellar microstructural damage were associated with cognitive deficits in MS. Our results suggested that cerebellar lobular alterations have an impact on attention, working memory and IPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Moroso
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurélie Ruet
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Fanny Munsch
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mathilde Deloire
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierrick Coupé
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- LaBRI, UMR 5800, PICTURA, Talence, France
| | - Julie Charré-Morin
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aurore Saubusse
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Ouallet
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Planche
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Tourdias
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Dousset
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bruno Brochet
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM-CHU CIC-P 0005, & Services de Neurologie et Neuroradiologie, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U1215, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail:
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Talmage GD, Coppes OJM, Javed A, Bernard J. Natalizumab stabilizes physical, cognitive, MRI, and OCT markers of disease activity: A prospective, non-randomized pilot study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173299. [PMID: 28426702 PMCID: PMC5398512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natalizumab is an effective therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in several clinical and imaging studies. The objective of this study was to further demonstrate the efficacy of natalizumab using a comprehensive battery of clinical and imaging markers in the same cohort of patients followed longitudinally, hence capturing the multi-faceted nature of the MS disease process. A prospective, open-label, pilot study of 20 MS patients treated with natalizumab was conducted. High resolution MRI, Symbol-Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans were obtained at baseline, 48, and 96 weeks. 15 patients completed the study. Natalizumab treatment decreased Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) and no change in SDMT, Brain Parenchymal Fraction (BPF), or any of the OCT markers of retinal degeneration was observed. Thalamic and whole brain volume as assessed by Percentage Brain Volume Change (PBVC) showed continuous deterioration. Higher baseline T2 lesion load correlated with increased rate of PBVC at 96-weeks (r = 0.566, R2 = 0.320, p = 0.035) and thalamic volume loss (r = -0.586, R2 = 0.344, p = 0.027). Most patients, 93%, achieved no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) at 2 years, likely due to early disease duration and lower initial baseline lesion load. This study further demonstrates stabilization of clinical and imaging markers of disease activity during natalizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrick D. Talmage
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Oscar J. M. Coppes
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Adil Javed
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline Bernard
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tóth E, Szabó N, Csete G, Király A, Faragó P, Spisák T, Bencsik K, Vécsei L, Kincses ZT. Gray Matter Atrophy Is Primarily Related to Demyelination of Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI Study. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:23. [PMID: 28424595 PMCID: PMC5372801 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cortical pathology, periventricular demyelination, and lesion formation in multiple sclerosis (MS) are related (Hypothesis 1). Factors in the cerebrospinal fluid close to these compartments could possibly drive the parallel processes. Alternatively, the cortical atrophy could be caused by remote axonal transection (Hypothesis 2). Since MRI can differentiate between demyelination and axon loss, we used this imaging modality to investigate the correlation between the pattern of diffusion parameter changes in the periventricular- and deep white matter and the gray matter atrophy. Methods: High-resolution T1-weighted, FLAIR, and diffusion MRI images were acquired in 52 RRMS patients and 50 healthy, age-matched controls. We used EDSS to estimate the clinical disability. We used Tract Based Spatial Statistics to compare diffusion parameters (fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivity) between groups. We evaluated global brain, white, and gray matter atrophy with SIENAX. Averaged, standard diffusion parameters were calculated in four compartment: periventricular lesioned and normal appearing white matter, non-periventricular lesioned and normal appearing white matter. PLS regression was used to identify which diffusion parameter and in which compartment best predicts the brain atrophy and clinical disability. Results: In our diffusion tensor imaging study compared to controls we found extensive alterations of fractional anisotropy, mean and radial diffusivity and smaller changes of axial diffusivity (maximal p > 0.0002) in patients that suggested demyelination in the lesioned and in the normal appearing white matter. We found significant reduction in total brain, total white, and gray matter (patients: 718.764 ± 14.968, 323.237 ± 7.246, 395.527 ± 8.050 cm3, controls: 791.772 ± 22.692, 355.350 ± 10.929, 436.422 ± 12.011 cm3; mean ± SE), (p < 0.015; p < 0.0001; p < 0.009; respectively) of patients compared to controls. The PLS analysis revealed a combination of demyelination-like diffusion parameters (higher mean and radial diffusivity in patients) in the lesions and in the non-lesioned periventricular white matter, which best predicted the gray matter atrophy (p < 0.001). Similarly, EDSS was best predicted by the radial diffusivity of the lesions and the non-lesioned periventricular white matter, but axial diffusivity of the periventricular lesions also contributed significantly (p < 0.0001). Interpretation: Our investigation showed that gray matter atrophy and white matter demyelination are related in MS but white matter axonal loss does not significantly contribute to the gray matter pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Tóth
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - Gergõ Csete
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - András Király
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary.,Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk UniversityBrno, Czechia
| | - Péter Faragó
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary.,Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk UniversityBrno, Czechia
| | - Tamás Spisák
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of DebrecenDebrecen, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary.,Neuroscience Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
| | - Zsigmond T Kincses
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of SzegedSzeged, Hungary
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Morrow SA, Menon S, Rosehart H, Sharma M. Developing easy to perform routine MRI measurements as potential surrogates for cognitive impairment in MS. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2017; 153:73-78. [PMID: 28061362 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES One of the most frequently disabling symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is cognitive impairment which is often insidious in onset and therefore difficult to recognize in the early stages, for both persons with MS and clinicians. A biomarker that would help identify those at risk of cognitive impairment, or with only mild impairment, would be a useful tool for clinicians. Using MRI, already an integral tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity in MS, would be ideal. Thus, this study aimed to determine if simple measures on routine MRI could serve as potential biomarkers for cognitive impairment in MS. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively identified 51 persons with MS who had a cognitive assessment and MRI within six months of the MRI. Simple linear measurements of the hippocampi, bifrontral and third ventricular width, bicaudate width and the anterior, mid and posterior corpus callosum were made. Pearson's correlations examined the relationship between these MRI measures and cognitive tests, and MRI measures were compared in persons with MS who were either normal or cognitively impaired on objective cognitive tests using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS Bicaudate span and third ventricular width were both negatively correlated, while corpus callosal measures were positive correlated with cognitive test performance. After controlling for potential confounders, bicaudate span was significant different on measures of immediate recall. Both anterior and posterior corpus collosal measure were significantly different on measures of verbal fluency, immediate recall and higher executive function; while the anterior corpus callosum was also significantly different on processing speed. The middle corpus collosal measure was significantly different on immediate recall and higher executive function. CONCLUSION This study presents data demonstrating that simple to apply MRI measures of atrophy may serve as biomarkers for cognitive impairment in persons with MS. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Morrow
- University of Western Ontario (Western), London Health Sciences Center, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, LHSC-UH, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N5A 5A5, Canada; St. Joseph's Health Care, Parkwood Institute, Department of Cognitive Neurology, 550 Wellington Road, London, ON N6C 0A7, Canada.
| | - Suresh Menon
- University of Western Ontario (Western), London Health Sciences Center, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, LHSC-UH, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N5A 5A5, Canada; Present Address: McMaster University, Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton Street East, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
| | - Heather Rosehart
- University of Western Ontario (Western), London Health Sciences Center, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, LHSC-UH, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N5A 5A5, Canada
| | - Manas Sharma
- University of Western Ontario (Western), London Health Sciences Center, University Hospital, Department of Radiology/Medical Imaging, LHSC-UH, 339 Windermere Road B10-006, London, ON N5A 5A5, Canada
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37
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Dulamea AO. Role of Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Demyelination, Remyelination and Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 958:91-127. [PMID: 28093710 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-47861-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS) during development and throughout adulthood. They result from a complex and well controlled process of activation, proliferation, migration and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from the germinative niches of the CNS. In multiple sclerosis (MS), the complex pathological process produces dysfunction and apoptosis of OLs leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration. This review attempts to describe the patterns of demyelination in MS, the steps involved in oligodendrogenesis and myelination in healthy CNS, the different pathways leading to OLs and myelin loss in MS, as well as principles involved in restoration of myelin sheaths. Environmental factors and their impact on OLs and pathological mechanisms of MS are also discussed. Finally, we will present evidence about the potential therapeutic targets in re-myelination processes that can be accessed in order to develop regenerative therapies for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Octaviana Dulamea
- Neurology Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", Fundeni Clinical Institute, Building A, Neurology Clinic, Room 201, 022328, Bucharest, Romania.
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Abstract
Due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease, it is a challenge to capture disease activity of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a reliable and valid way. Therefore, it can be difficult to assess the true efficacy of interventions in clinical trials. In phase III trials in MS, the traditionally used primary clinical outcome measures are the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the relapse rate. Secondary outcome measures in these trials are the number or volume of T2 hyperintense lesions and gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. These secondary outcome measures are often primary outcome measures in phase II trials in MS. Despite several limitations, the traditional clinical measures are still the mainstay for assessing treatment efficacy. Newer and potentially valuable outcome measures increasingly used or explored in MS trials are, clinically, the MS Functional Composite and patient-reported outcome measures, and on MRI, brain atrophy and the formation of persisting black holes. Several limitations of these measures have been addressed and further improvements will probably be proposed. Major improvements are the coverage of additional functional domains such as cognitive functioning and assessment of the ability to carry out activities of daily living. The development of multidimensional measures is promising because these measures have the potential to cover the full extent of MS activity and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the historical background and recent developments of outcome measures in MS trials. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various measures, including newer assessments such as optical coherence tomography, biomarkers in body fluids and the concept of 'no evidence of disease activity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caspar E. P. van Munster
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VUmc MS Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard M. J. Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VUmc MS Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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39
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Contribution of Gray and White Matter Abnormalities to Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:ijms18010046. [PMID: 28035997 PMCID: PMC5297681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly exhibit cognitive impairments (CI). However, the neural mechanisms underlying CI remain unclear. The current study applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and voxel-based morphometric (VBM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to evaluate differences in white matter (WM) integrity and gray matter (GM) volume between MS patients with CI and MS patients with cognitive preservation (CP). Neuropsychological assessment and MRI were obtained from 39 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 29 healthy controls (HCs). Patients were classified as CI or CP according to cognitive ability, and demographic characteristics and MRI images were compared. Compared with HCs, MS patients exhibited widespread damage in WM integrity, and GM loss in several regions. Compared with CP patients, CI patients exhibited more extensive WM impairments, particularly in the corpus callosum, cerebellar peduncle, corona radiata, optic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculus, anterior limb of the internal capsule, and cingulate, as well as decreased GM volume in the bilateral caudate, left insula and right temporal lobe. MS patients with CI exhibited more significant structural abnormalities than those with CP. Widespread impairments of WM integrity and selective GM atrophy both appear to be associated with impaired cognition in RRMS.
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Rudko DA, Derakhshan M, Maranzano J, Nakamura K, Arnold DL, Narayanan S. Delineation of cortical pathology in multiple sclerosis using multi-surface magnetization transfer ratio imaging. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 12:858-868. [PMID: 27872808 PMCID: PMC5107650 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the utility of measurements of cortical surface magnetization transfer ratio (csMTR) on the inner, mid and outer cortical boundaries as clinically accessible biomarkers of cortical gray matter pathology in multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty-five MS patients and 12 matched controls were recruited from the MS Clinic of the Montreal Neurological Institute. Anatomical and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) images were acquired using 3 Tesla MRI at baseline and two-year time-points. MTR maps were smoothed along meshes representing the inner, mid and outer neocortical boundaries. To evaluate csMTR reductions suggestive of sub-pial demyelination in MS patients, a mixed model analysis was carried out at both the individual vertex level and in anatomically parcellated brain regions. Our results demonstrate that focal areas of csMTR reduction are most prevalent along the outer cortical surface in the superior temporal and posterior cingulate cortices, as well as in the cuneus and precentral gyrus. Additionally, age regression analysis identified that reductions of csMTR in MS patients increase with age but appear to hit a plateau in the outer caudal anterior cingulate, as well as in the precentral and postcentral cortex. After correction for the naturally occurring gradient in cortical MTR, the difference in csMTR between the inner and outer cortex in focal areas in the brains of MS patients correlated with clinical disability. Overall, our findings support multi-surface analysis of csMTR as a sensitive marker of cortical sub-pial abnormality indicative of demyelination in MS patients. Novel cortical MTR analysis identifies areas of sub-pial abnormality in MS patients. A greater area of sub-pial abnormality in MS exists on the outer cortical layer. Cortical regions most affected were involved in executive function and processing speed. Normalized differences between outer and inner cortex MTR correlate with EDSS in MS. This technique can be applied for clinical trials at the MRI field strength of 3 T.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Rudko
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mishkin Derakhshan
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josefina Maranzano
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kunio Nakamura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sridar Narayanan
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Keser Z, Hasan KM, Mwangi B, Gabr RE, Steinberg JL, Wilken J, Wolinsky JS, Nelson FM. Limbic Pathway Correlates of Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis. J Neuroimaging 2016; 27:37-42. [PMID: 27541485 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Distinct injuries to various limbic white matter pathways have been reported to be associated with different aspects of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers a noninvasive method to map tissue microstructural organization. We utilized quantitative magnetic resonance imaging methods to analyze the main limbic system-white matter structures in MS patients with cognitive impairment (CI). METHODS Ten cognitively nonimpaired MS (MSNI) patients and 36 patients with diagnosed CI (MSCI) underwent the minimal assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) battery. DTI measures of fornix, cingulum, uncinate fasciculus (UF) included tract volume and corresponding fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (AD) diffusivities. These were statistically analyzed for associations with CI after adjusting for the confounders. RESULTS Fornix FA and RD, left cingulum FA, MD, and RD, right cingulum FA, MD, and RD, and left UF FA showed significant differences between MSNI and MSCI (P < .001). Fornix FA (r = -.6) and RD (r = .52), and right cingulum FA (r = -.54) and RD (r = .5) correlated significantly with CI in regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS The extent of disruption of microstructural disorganization in the main limbic pathways using DTI impacts the extent of CI seen in subjects with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafer Keser
- Department of Neurology, UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - Khader M Hasan
- Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - Benson Mwangi
- UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - Refaat E Gabr
- Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - Joel L Steinberg
- Collaborative Advanced Research Imaging Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Houston, TX, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Jeffrey Wilken
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Jerry S Wolinsky
- Department of Neurology, UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | - Flavia M Nelson
- Department of Neurology, UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth)- McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
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Brambilla L, Rossi Sebastiano D, Aquino D, Torri Clerici V, Brenna G, Moscatelli M, Frangiamore R, Giovannetti AM, Antozzi C, Mantegazza R, Franceschetti S, Bruzzone MG, Erbetta A, Confalonieri P. Early effect of dalfampridine in patients with MS: A multi-instrumental approach to better investigate responsiveness. J Neurol Sci 2016; 368:402-7. [PMID: 27538672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is a potassium-channel blocker able to enhance walking speed in MS improving the action potentials of demyelinated axons on which internodal potassium channels are exposed. OBJECTIVE to study early 4-AP effect with clinical, subjective, neurophysiological and neuroradiological tools. METHODS Clinical (Timed 25-Foot Walk - T25FW, Timed Up-And-Go - TUG), subjective (MS Walking Scale-12 - MSWS-12), neurophysiological (Motor Evoked Potentials - MEPs) and imaging (Diffusion Tensor Imaging - DTI) evaluations were performed before (T0) and after (T1) 14days of 4-AP treatment. MEPs were recorded from Abductor Hallucis of both legs. A Tract-Based-Spatial-Statistics (TBSS) was performed on DTI. RESULTS We found a significant difference between T0 and T1 for T25FW, TUG, MSWS-12 (p≤0.001) in the whole patients' sample (23 subjects, median EDSS 6.0) and decrease of Central Motor Conduction Time and increase of mean Amplitude (Amp) at T1 (p=0.008 and p=0.006). We also recorded a significant difference of T25FW, TUG, MSWS-12 and Amp in clinical responder (CR) patients (CR: amelioration >20% at T25FW). TBSS showed a significant Mean and Radial Diffusivity reduction in the corticospinal tracts (p<0.05) of the whole group of patients; this reduction was also found in the CR subgroup. CONCLUSION Neurophysiological and neuroradiological parameters were modified in MS patients treated with 4-AP, and most of them reported a subjective improvement of their motor performances after treatment. The use of clinical, subjective, neurophysiological and neuroradiological tools could help to better explore MS patients responsiveness to 4-AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Brambilla
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy.
| | - D Rossi Sebastiano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - D Aquino
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - V Torri Clerici
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - G Brenna
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - M Moscatelli
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - R Frangiamore
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - A M Giovannetti
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - C Antozzi
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - R Mantegazza
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - S Franceschetti
- Department of Neurophysiology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - M G Bruzzone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - A Erbetta
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - P Confalonieri
- Department of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Milan, Italy
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Meijer K, Cercignani M, Muhlert N, Sethi V, Chard D, Geurts J, Ciccarelli O. Patterns of white matter damage are non-random and associated with cognitive function in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Neuroimage Clin 2016; 12:123-31. [PMID: 27408797 PMCID: PMC4932616 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), white matter damage is thought to contribute to cognitive dysfunction, which is especially prominent in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). While studies in healthy subjects have revealed patterns of correlated fractional anisotropy (FA) across white matter tracts, little is known about the underlying patterns of white matter damage in MS. In the present study, we aimed to map the SPMS-related covariance patterns of microstructural white matter changes, and investigated whether or not these patterns were associated with cognitive dysfunction. Diffusion MRI was acquired from 30 SPMS patients and 32 healthy controls (HC). A tensor model was fitted and FA maps were processed using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) in order to obtain a skeletonised map for each subject. The skeletonised FA maps of patients only were decomposed into 18 spatially independent components (ICs) using independent component analysis. Comprehensive cognitive assessment was conducted to evaluate five cognitive domains. Correlations between cognitive performance and (1) severity of FA abnormalities of the extracted ICs (i.e. z-scores relative to FA values of HC) and (2) IC load (i.e. FA covariance of a particular IC) were examined. SPMS patients showed lower FA values of all examined patterns of correlated FA (i.e. spatially independent components) than HC (p < 0.01). Tracts visually assigned to the supratentorial commissural class were most severely damaged (z = - 3.54; p < 0.001). Reduced FA was significantly correlated with reduced IC load (i.e. FA covariance) (r = 0.441; p < 0.05). Lower mean FA and component load of the supratentorial projection tracts and limbic association tracts classes were associated with worse cognitive function, including executive function, working memory and verbal memory. Despite the presence of white matter damage, it was possible to reveal patterns of FA covariance across SPMS patients. This could indicate that white matter tracts belonging to the same cluster, and thus with similar characteristics, tend to follow similar trends during neurodegeneration. Furthermore, these underlying FA patterns might help to explain cognitive dysfunction in SPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.A. Meijer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Cercignani
- Clinical Imaging Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - N. Muhlert
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - V. Sethi
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology and Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - D. Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - J.J.G. Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O. Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
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Costa SL, Genova HM, DeLuca J, Chiaravalloti ND. Information processing speed in multiple sclerosis: Past, present, and future. Mult Scler 2016; 23:772-789. [PMID: 27207446 DOI: 10.1177/1352458516645869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information processing speed (IPS) is a prevalent cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVES This review aims to summarize the methods applied to assess IPS in MS and its theoretical conceptualization. A PubMed search was performed to select articles published between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013, resulting in 157 articles included. RESULTS The majority (54%) of studies assessed IPS with heterogeneous samples (several disease courses). Studies often report controlling for presence of other neurological disorders (60.5%), age (58.6%), education (51.6%), alcohol history (47.8%), or use of steroids (39.5%). Potential confounding variables, such as recent relapses (50.3%), history of developmental disorders (19.1%), and visual problems (29.9%), were often neglected. Assessments used to study IPS were heterogeneous (ranging from simple to complex tasks) among the studies under review, with 62 different tasks used. Only 9.6% of articles defined the construct of IPS and 22.3% discussed IPS in relation to a theoretical model. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The challenges for the upcoming decade include clarification of the definition of IPS as well as its theoretical conceptualization and a consensus on assessment. Based on the results obtained, we propose a new theoretical model, the tri-factor model of IPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana L Costa
- Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA/Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Helen M Genova
- Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA/Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - John DeLuca
- Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA/Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA/Department of Neurology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Nancy D Chiaravalloti
- Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Laboratory, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA/Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Wiebenga OT, Schoonheim MM, Hulst HE, Nagtegaal GJA, Strijbis EMM, Steenwijk MD, Polman CH, Pouwels PJW, Barkhof F, Geurts JJG. White Matter Diffusion Changes during the First Year of Natalizumab Treatment in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1030-7. [PMID: 26965463 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Natalizumab treatment strongly affects relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, possibly by restraining white matter damage. This study investigated changes in white matter diffusivity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis during their first year of natalizumab treatment by using diffusion tensor imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis initiating natalizumab at baseline (n = 22), patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis continuing interferon-β or glatiramer acetate (n = 17), and healthy controls (n = 12). Diffusion tensor imaging parameters were analyzed at baseline and month 12. We measured the extent and severity of white matter damage with diffusion tensor imaging parameters such as fractional anisotropy, comparing the patient groups with healthy controls at both time points. RESULTS The extent and severity of white matter damage were reduced significantly in the natalizumab group with time (fractional anisotropy-based extent, 56.8% to 47.2%; severity, z = -0.67 to -0.59; P = .02); this reduction was not observed in the interferon-β/glatiramer acetate group (extent, 41.4% to 39.1%, and severity, z = -0.64 to -0.67; P = .94). Cognitive performance did not change with time in the patient groups but did correlate with the severity of damage (r = 0.53, P = < .001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis starting natalizumab treatment, the extent and severity of white matter damage were reduced significantly in the first year of treatment. These findings may aid in explaining the large observed clinical effect of natalizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Wiebenga
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.W., G.J.A.N., M.D.S., F.B.) Anatomy and Neurosciences (O.T.W., M.M.S., H.E.H., G.J.A.N., J.J.G.G.)
| | - M M Schoonheim
- Anatomy and Neurosciences (O.T.W., M.M.S., H.E.H., G.J.A.N., J.J.G.G.)
| | - H E Hulst
- Anatomy and Neurosciences (O.T.W., M.M.S., H.E.H., G.J.A.N., J.J.G.G.)
| | - G J A Nagtegaal
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.W., G.J.A.N., M.D.S., F.B.) Anatomy and Neurosciences (O.T.W., M.M.S., H.E.H., G.J.A.N., J.J.G.G.)
| | | | - M D Steenwijk
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.W., G.J.A.N., M.D.S., F.B.)
| | | | - P J W Pouwels
- Physics and Medical Technology (P.J.W.P.), Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F Barkhof
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (O.T.W., G.J.A.N., M.D.S., F.B.)
| | - J J G Geurts
- Anatomy and Neurosciences (O.T.W., M.M.S., H.E.H., G.J.A.N., J.J.G.G.)
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Altered tract-specific white matter microstructure is related to poorer cognitive performance: The Rotterdam Study. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 39:108-17. [PMID: 26923407 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Muthuraman M, Fleischer V, Kolber P, Luessi F, Zipp F, Groppa S. Structural Brain Network Characteristics Can Differentiate CIS from Early RRMS. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:14. [PMID: 26869873 PMCID: PMC4735423 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal demyelinated lesions, diffuse white matter (WM) damage, and gray matter (GM) atrophy influence directly the disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to identify specific characteristics of GM and WM structural networks in subjects with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) in comparison to patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Twenty patients with CIS, 33 with RRMS, and 40 healthy subjects were investigated using 3 T-MRI. Diffusion tensor imaging was applied, together with probabilistic tractography and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps for WM and cortical thickness correlation analysis for GM, to determine the structural connectivity patterns. A network topology analysis with the aid of graph theoretical approaches was used to characterize the network at different community levels (modularity, clustering coefficient, global, and local efficiencies). Finally, we applied support vector machines (SVM) to automatically discriminate the two groups. In comparison to CIS subjects, patients with RRMS were found to have increased modular connectivity and higher local clustering, highlighting increased local processing in both GM and WM. Both groups presented increased modularity and clustering coefficients in comparison to healthy controls. SVM algorithms achieved 97% accuracy using the clustering coefficient as classifier derived from GM and 65% using WM from probabilistic tractography and 67% from modularity of FA maps to differentiate between CIS and RRMS patients. We demonstrate a clear increase of modular and local connectivity in patients with early RRMS in comparison to CIS and healthy subjects. Based only on a single anatomic scan and without a priori information, we developed an automated and investigator-independent paradigm that can accurately discriminate between patients with these clinically similar disease entities, and could thus complement the current dissemination-in-time criteria for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthuraman Muthuraman
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Fleischer
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Pierre Kolber
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
| | - Sergiu Groppa
- Department of Neurology and Neuroimaging Center of the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz Mainz, Germany
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Roman CAF, Arnett PA. Structural brain indices and executive functioning in multiple sclerosis: A review. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 38:261-74. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2015.1105199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Meijer KA, Muhlert N, Cercignani M, Sethi V, Ron MA, Thompson AJ, Miller DH, Chard D, Geurts JJ, Ciccarelli O. White matter tract abnormalities are associated with cognitive dysfunction in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2016; 22:1429-1437. [PMID: 26733423 DOI: 10.1177/1352458515622694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While our knowledge of white matter (WM) pathology underlying cognitive impairment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing, equivalent understanding in those with secondary progressive (SP) MS lags behind. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine whether the extent and severity of WM tract damage differ between cognitively impaired (CI) and cognitively preserved (CP) secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients. METHODS Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion MRI were acquired from 30 SPMS patients and 32 healthy controls (HC). Cognitive domains commonly affected in MS patients were assessed. Linear regression was used to predict cognition. Diffusion measures were compared between groups using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). RESULTS A total of 12 patients were classified as CI, and processing speed was the most commonly affected domain. The final regression model including demographic variables and radial diffusivity explained the greatest variance of cognitive performance (R2 = 0.48, p = 0.002). SPMS patients showed widespread loss of WM integrity throughout the WM skeleton when compared with HC. When compared with CP patients, CI patients showed more extensive and severe damage of several WM tracts, including the fornix, superior longitudinal fasciculus and forceps major. CONCLUSION Loss of WM integrity assessed using TBSS helps to explain cognitive decline in SPMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Meijer
- Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands/NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Nils Muhlert
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK/School of Psychology and Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK/School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Clinical Imaging Centre, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Varun Sethi
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Maria A Ron
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Alan J Thompson
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK/NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - David H Miller
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK/NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Declan Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK/NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jeroen Jg Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK/NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Cesar B, Dwyer MG, Shucard JL, Polak P, Bergsland N, Benedict RHB, Weinstock-Guttman B, Shucard DW, Zivadinov R. Cognitive and White Matter Tract Differences in MS and Diffuse Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1874-83. [PMID: 26066628 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Multiple sclerosis and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus are autoimmune diseases with similar CNS inflammatory and neurodegenerative characteristics. Our aim was to investigate white matter tract changes and their association with cognitive function in patients with MS and those with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus compared with healthy controls by using diffusion tensor imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 23 patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus matched for disease severity and duration and 43 healthy controls were scanned with 3T MR imaging. The DTI was postprocessed, corrected for lesions, and analyzed with tract-based spatial statistics. Cognitive assessment included examination of processing speed; visual, auditory/verbal, and visual-spatial memory; and sustained attention and executive function. Differences were considered significant at P < .05. RESULTS Tract-based spatial statistics analysis revealed significantly decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity in patients with MS compared with healthy controls, decreased fractional anisotropy in patients with MS compared with those with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, and an increased mean diffusivity in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus compared with healthy controls. Patients with MS showed decreased fractional anisotropy throughout central WM pathways, including the corpus callosum and the inferior longitudinal and fronto-occipital fasciculi compared with those with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus. Altered cognitive scores in patients with MS were significantly associated with decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity in all examined domains, while in patients with diffuse neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, only decreased fractional anisotropy in the superior WM pathways showed significant association with executive function. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MS and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus showed widespread WM tract alterations outside overt lesions, though more severe changes were identified in patients with MS. The WM tract changes were associated with cognitive dysfunction in all explored domains only in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Cesar
- From the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology (B.C., M.G.D., P.P., N.B., R.Z.) Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences (B.C., J.L.S., D.W.S.)
| | - M G Dwyer
- From the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology (B.C., M.G.D., P.P., N.B., R.Z.) Department of Neurology (M.G.D., J.L.S., R.H.B.B., B.W.-G., D.W.S.)
| | - J L Shucard
- Department of Neurology (M.G.D., J.L.S., R.H.B.B., B.W.-G., D.W.S.) Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences (B.C., J.L.S., D.W.S.) Neuroscience Program (J.L.S., D.W.S.)
| | - P Polak
- From the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology (B.C., M.G.D., P.P., N.B., R.Z.)
| | - N Bergsland
- From the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology (B.C., M.G.D., P.P., N.B., R.Z.) Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (N.B.), IRCCS Don Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - R H B Benedict
- Department of Neurology (M.G.D., J.L.S., R.H.B.B., B.W.-G., D.W.S.)
| | | | - D W Shucard
- Department of Neurology (M.G.D., J.L.S., R.H.B.B., B.W.-G., D.W.S.) Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurosciences (B.C., J.L.S., D.W.S.) Neuroscience Program (J.L.S., D.W.S.)
| | - R Zivadinov
- From the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology (B.C., M.G.D., P.P., N.B., R.Z.) MRI Clinical Translational Research Center (R.Z.), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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