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Kuhlmann T, Moccia M, Coetzee T, Cohen JA, Correale J, Graves J, Marrie RA, Montalban X, Yong VW, Thompson AJ, Reich DS. Multiple sclerosis progression: time for a new mechanism-driven framework. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:78-88. [PMID: 36410373 PMCID: PMC10463558 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 177.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, multiple sclerosis has been categorised by distinct clinical descriptors-relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive-for patient care, research, and regulatory approval of medications. Accumulating evidence suggests that the clinical course of multiple sclerosis is better considered as a continuum, with contributions from concurrent pathophysiological processes that vary across individuals and over time. The apparent evolution to a progressive course reflects a partial shift from predominantly localised acute injury to widespread inflammation and neurodegeneration, coupled with failure of compensatory mechanisms, such as neuroplasticity and remyelination. Ageing increases neural susceptibility to injury and decreases resilience. These observations encourage a new consideration of the course of multiple sclerosis as a spectrum defined by the relative contributions of overlapping pathological and reparative or compensatory processes. New understanding of key mechanisms underlying progression and measures to quantify progressive pathology will potentially have important and beneficial implications for clinical care, treatment targets, and regulatory decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Kuhlmann
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany; Neuroimmunology Unit, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neurosciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Timothy Coetzee
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA), New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge Correale
- Fleni, Department of Neurology, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Biological Chemistry and Biophysics (IQUIFIB), CONICET/UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jennifer Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia and Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Wee Yong
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alan J Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel S Reich
- Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Combes AJE, Clarke MA, O'Grady KP, Schilling KG, Smith SA. Advanced spinal cord MRI in multiple sclerosis: Current techniques and future directions. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103244. [PMID: 36306717 PMCID: PMC9668663 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical practice for diagnosis and disease monitoring. Advanced MRI sequences capable of visualizing and quantifying tissue macro- and microstructure and reflecting different pathological disease processes have been used in MS research; however, the spinal cord remains under-explored, partly due to technical obstacles inherent to imaging this structure. We propose that the study of the spinal cord merits equal ambition in overcoming technical challenges, and that there is much information to be exploited to make valuable contributions to our understanding of MS. We present a narrative review on the latest progress in advanced spinal cord MRI in MS, covering in the first part structural, functional, metabolic and vascular imaging methods. We focus on recent studies of MS and those making significant technical steps, noting the challenges that remain to be addressed and what stands to be gained from such advances. Throughout we also refer to other works that presend more in-depth review on specific themes. In the second part, we present several topics that, in our view, hold particular potential. The need for better imaging of gray matter is discussed. We stress the importance of developing imaging beyond the cervical spinal cord, and explore the use of ultra-high field MRI. Finally, some recommendations are given for future research, from study design to newer developments in analysis, and the need for harmonization of sequences and methods within the field. This review is aimed at researchers and clinicians with an interest in gaining an overview of the current state of advanced MRI research in this field and what is primed to be the future of spinal cord imaging in MS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna J E Combes
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
| | - Margareta A Clarke
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States
| | - Kristin P O'Grady
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
| | - Kurt G Schilling
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Seth A Smith
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, United States; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Medical Center North, 1161 21st Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, PMB 351826, Nashville, TN 37235-1826, United States
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3
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Lohmeier J, Silva RV, Tietze A, Taupitz M, Kaneko T, Prüss H, Paul F, Infante-Duarte C, Hamm B, Caravan P, Makowski MR. Fibrin-targeting molecular MRI in inflammatory CNS disorders. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3692-3704. [PMID: 35507058 PMCID: PMC9399196 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrin deposition is a fundamental pathophysiological event in the inflammatory component of various CNS disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease. Beyond its traditional role in coagulation, fibrin elicits immunoinflammatory changes with oxidative stress response and activation of CNS-resident/peripheral immune cells contributing to CNS injury. PURPOSE To investigate if CNS fibrin deposition can be determined using molecular MRI, and to assess its capacity as a non-invasive imaging biomarker that corresponds to inflammatory response and barrier impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Specificity and efficacy of a peptide-conjugated Gd-based molecular MRI probe (EP2104-R) to visualise and quantify CNS fibrin deposition were evaluated. Probe efficacy to specifically target CNS fibrin deposition in murine adoptive-transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a pre-clinical model for MS (n = 12), was assessed. Findings were validated using immunohistochemistry and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Deposition of fibrin in neuroinflammatory conditions was investigated and its diagnostic capacity for disease staging and monitoring as well as quantification of immunoinflammatory response was determined. Results were compared using t-tests (two groups) or one-way ANOVA with multiple comparisons test. Linear regression was used to model the relationship between variables. RESULTS For the first time (to our knowledge), CNS fibrin deposition was visualised and quantified in vivo using molecular imaging. Signal enhancement was apparent in EAE lesions even 12-h after administration of EP2104-R due to targeted binding (M ± SD, 1.07 ± 0.10 (baseline) vs. 0.73 ± 0.09 (EP2104-R), p = .008), which could be inhibited with an MRI-silent analogue (M ± SD, 0.60 ± 0.14 (EP2104-R) vs. 0.96 ± 0.13 (EP2104-La), p = .006). CNS fibrin deposition corresponded to immunoinflammatory activity (R2 = 0.85, p < .001) and disability (R2 = 0.81, p < .001) in a model for MS, which suggests a clinical role for staging and monitoring. Additionally, EP2104-R showed substantially higher SNR (M ± SD, 6.6 ± 1 (EP2104-R) vs. 2.7 ± 0.4 (gadobutrol), p = .004) than clinically used contrast media, which increases sensitivity for lesion detection. CONCLUSIONS Molecular imaging of CNS fibrin deposition provides an imaging biomarker for inflammatory CNS pathology, which corresponds to pathophysiological ECM remodelling and disease activity, and yields high signal-to-noise ratio, which can improve diagnostic neuroimaging across several neurological diseases with variable degrees of barrier impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lohmeier
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Rafaela V Silva
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Tietze
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Taupitz
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Takaaki Kaneko
- Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM) and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Infante-Duarte
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Lindenberger Weg 80, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Caravan
- A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 Thirteenth Street, Suite 2301, Charlestown, MB, 02129, USA
| | - Marcus R Makowski
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, München, Germany
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4
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Are Neurophysiological Biomarkers Able to Discriminate Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Subtypes? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020231. [PMID: 35203440 PMCID: PMC8869727 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) subtype is retrospectively diagnosed, and biomarkers of the SPMS are not available. We aimed to identify possible neurophysiological markers exploring grey matter structures that could be used in clinical practice to better identify SPMS. Fifty-five people with MS and 31 healthy controls underwent a transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol to test intracortical interneuron excitability in the primary motor cortex and somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT) to test sensory function encoded in cortical and deep grey matter nuclei. A logistic regression model was used to identify a combined neurophysiological index associated with the SP subtype. We observed that short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and STDT were the only variables that differentiated the RR from the SP subtype. The logistic regression model provided a formula to compute the probability of a subject being assigned to an SP subtype based on age and combined SICI and STDT values. While only STDT correlated with disability level at baseline evaluation, both SICI and STDT were associated with disability at follow-up. SICI and STDT abnormalities reflect age-dependent grey matter neurodegenerative processes that likely play a role in SPMS pathophysiology and may represent easily accessible neurophysiological biomarkers for the SPMS subtype.
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5
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Jeong KE, Lee SY, Yeom SK, Carlson N, Shah LM, Rose J, Jeong EK. Ultrahigh-b diffusion-weighted imaging for quantitative evaluation of myelination in shiverer mouse spinal cord. Magn Reson Med 2021; 87:179-192. [PMID: 34418157 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To perform a quantitative evaluation of myelination on WT and myelin-deficient (shiverer) mouse spinal cords using ultrahigh-b diffusion-weighted imaging (UHb-DWI). METHODS UHb-DWI of ex vivo on spinal cord specimens of two shiverer (C3HeB/FeJ-shiverer, homozygous genotype for MbPshi ) and six WT (Black Six, C3HeB/FeJ) mice were acquired using 3D multishot diffusion-weighted stimulated-echo EPI, a homemade RF coil, and a small-bore 7T MRI system. Imaging was performed in transaxial plane with 75 × 75 μm2 in-plane resolution, 1-mm-slice thickness, and radial DWI using bmax = 42,890 s/mm2 . Histological evaluation was performed on upper thoracic sections using optical and transmission electron microscopy. Numerical Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) of water diffusion were performed to facilitate interpretation of UHb-DWI signal-b curves. RESULTS The white matter ultrahigh-b radial DWI (UHb-rDWI) signal-b curves of WT mouse cords behaved biexponentially with high-b diffusion coefficient DH < 0.020 × 10-3 mm2 /s. However, as expected with less myelination, the signal-b of shiverer mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with significantly greater DH = 0.162 × 10-3 , 0.142 × 10-3 , and 0.164 × 10-3 mm2 /s at anterodorsal, posterodorsal, and lateral columns, respectively. The axial DWI signals of all mouse cords behaved monoexponentially with D = (0.718-1.124) × 10-3 mm2 /s. MCS suggests that these elevated DH are mainly induced by increased water exchange at the myelin sheath. Microscopic results were consistent with the UHb-rDWI findings. CONCLUSION UHb-DWI provides quantitative differences in myelination of spinal cords from myelin-deficit shiverer and WT mice. UHb-DWI may become a powerful tool to evaluate myelination in demyelinating disease models that may translate to human diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle E Jeong
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sophie YouJung Lee
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Suk-Keu Yeom
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Korea University Ansan Medical Center, Ansan, Korea
| | - Noel Carlson
- Neuroimmunology Division, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,GRECC, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Neurovirology Research Laboratory, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lubdha M Shah
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John Rose
- Neuroimmunology Division, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Neurovirology Research Laboratory, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Eun-Kee Jeong
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Tagge IJ, Anderson VC, Springer CS, Sammi MK, Bourdette DN, Spain RI, Rooney WD. Gray matter blood-brain barrier water exchange dynamics are reduced in progressive multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:1111-1118. [PMID: 34355458 PMCID: PMC9291753 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose To compare transcapillary wall water exchange, a putative marker of cerebral metabolic health, in brain T2 white matter (WM) lesions and normal appearing white and gray matter (NAWM and NAGM, respectively) in individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) and healthy controls (HC). Methods Dynamic‐contrast‐enhanced 7T MRI data were obtained from 19 HC and 23 PMS participants. High‐resolution pharmacokinetic parametric maps representing tissue microvascular and microstructural properties were created by shutter‐speed (SS) paradigm modeling to obtain estimates of blood volume fraction (vb), water molecule capillary efflux rate constant (kpo), and the water capillary wall permeability surface area product (PwS ≡ vb*kpo). Linear regression models were used to investigate differences in (i) kpo and PwS between groups in NAWM and NAGM, and (ii) between WM lesions and NAWM in PMS. Results High‐resolution parametric maps were produced to visualize tissue classes and resolve individual WM lesions. Normal‐appearing gray matter kpo and PwS were significantly decreased in PMS compared to HC (p ≤ .01). Twenty‐one T2 WM lesions were analyzed in 10 participants with PMS. kpo was significantly decreased in WM lesions compared to PMS NAWM (p < .0001). Conclusions Transcapillary water exchange is reduced in PMS NAGM compared to HC and is further reduced in PMS WM lesions, suggesting pathologically impaired brain metabolism. kpo provides a sensitive measure of cerebral metabolic activity and/or coupling, and can be mapped at higher spatial resolution than conventional imaging techniques assessing metabolic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Tagge
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Valerie C Anderson
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Charles S Springer
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Manoj K Sammi
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Dennis N Bourdette
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rebecca I Spain
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Neurology Division, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - William D Rooney
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Maudsley AA, Andronesi OC, Barker PB, Bizzi A, Bogner W, Henning A, Nelson SJ, Posse S, Shungu DC, Soher BJ. Advanced magnetic resonance spectroscopic neuroimaging: Experts' consensus recommendations. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4309. [PMID: 32350978 PMCID: PMC7606742 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) offers considerable promise for monitoring metabolic alterations associated with disease or injury; however, to date, these methods have not had a significant impact on clinical care, and their use remains largely confined to the research community and a limited number of clinical sites. The MRSI methods currently implemented on clinical MRI instruments have remained essentially unchanged for two decades, with only incremental improvements in sequence implementation. During this time, a number of technological developments have taken place that have already greatly benefited the quality of MRSI measurements within the research community and which promise to bring advanced MRSI studies to the point where the technique becomes a true imaging modality, while making the traditional review of individual spectra a secondary requirement. Furthermore, the increasing use of biomedical MR spectroscopy studies has indicated clinical areas where advanced MRSI methods can provide valuable information for clinical care. In light of this rapidly changing technological environment and growing understanding of the value of MRSI studies for biomedical studies, this article presents a consensus from a group of experts in the field that reviews the state-of-the-art for clinical proton MRSI studies of the human brain, recommends minimal standards for further development of vendor-provided MRSI implementations, and identifies areas which need further technical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Maudsley
- Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ovidiu C Andronesi
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter B Barker
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute, F.M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alberto Bizzi
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Bogner
- High Field MR Center, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anke Henning
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sarah J Nelson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Stefan Posse
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Dikoma C Shungu
- Department of Neuroradiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Brian J Soher
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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8
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Jeong K, Shah LM, Lee YJ, Thapa B, Sapkota N, Bisson E, Carlson NG, Jeong EK, Rose JW. High-b diffusivity of MS lesions in cervical spinal cord using ultrahigh-b DWI (UHb-DWI). Neuroimage Clin 2021; 30:102610. [PMID: 33752076 PMCID: PMC7985401 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate UHb-rDWI signal in white matter tracts of the cervical spinal cord (CSC) and compare quantitative values between healthy control WM with both MS NAWM and MS WM lesions. METHODS UHb-rDWI experiments were performed on (a) 7 MS patients with recently active or chronic lesions in CSC and on (b) 7 healthy control of similar age range and gender distribution to MS subjects. All MRI data were acquired using clinical 3T MRI system. Axial high-b diffusion images were acquired using 2D single-shot DW stimulated EPI with reduced FOV and a CSC-dedicated 8 channel array coil. High-b diffusion coefficient DH was estimated by fitting the signal-b curve to a double or single-exponential function. RESULTS The high-b diffusivity DH values were measured as (0.767 ± 0.297) × 10-3 mm2/s in the posterior column lesions, averaged over 6 MS patients, and 0.587 × 10-3 mm2/s in the corticospinal tract for another patient. The averaged DH values of the 7 healthy volunteers from the posterior and lateral column were (0.0312 ± 0.0306) × 10-3 and (0.0505 ± 0.0205) × 10-3 mm2/s, respectively. UHb-rDWI signal-b curves of the MS patients revealed to noticeably behave differently to that of the healthy controls. The patient signal-b curves decayed with greater high-b decay constants to reach lower signal intensities relative to signal-b curves of the healthy controls. CONCLUSION UHb-DWI of the CSC reveals a marked difference in signal-b-curves and DH values in MS lesions compared to NAWM and healthy control WM. Based on physical principles, we interpret these altered observations of quantitative diffusion values to be indicative of demyelination. Further studies in animal models will be required to fully interpret UHb-DWI quantitative diffusion values during demyelination and remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Jeong
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Lubdha M Shah
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - You-Jung Lee
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Bijaya Thapa
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Nabraj Sapkota
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Erica Bisson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Noel G Carlson
- Neuroimmunology and Neurovirology Division, Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Utah, USA; GRECC, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Utah, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - E K Jeong
- Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research, University of Utah, Utah, USA; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - John W Rose
- Neuroimmunology and Neurovirology Division, Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Utah, USA; Neurology Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Utah, USA.
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9
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Barros C, Fernandes A. Linking Cognitive Impairment to Neuroinflammation in Multiple Sclerosis using neuroimaging tools. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 47:102622. [PMID: 33227630 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic immune disease in the central nervous system, causing neurological disability among young and middle-aged adults. Impaired cognition is now emerging as a major clinical symptom being present in more than 50% of MS patients. Recent data support that neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells plays a key part in MS course and, particularly, microglia is responsible for the pruning of synapses possibly impacting on vital neural networks maintenance. However, the knowledge of microglia-mediated mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in MS is poor and unfortunately, there are no medicines to overcome this "invisible" symptom. Interestingly, the use of powerful diagnostic imaging tools as structural and functional MRI as well as PET brought new insights into some biological mechanisms, but no link between the possibility to use early visible alterations to predict cognitive deficits was clarified yet. In this review, we focus on the interplay between MS-related cognitive structures and neuroinflammation, specifically the presence of microglia and their reactivity. Moreover, we also discuss new imaging tools to assess cognitive impairment and to track microglia activation. Understanding the role of microglia in cognitive impairment and how it can be prevented may be a promising contribution to innovative therapeutic strategies that culminate in the improvement of MS patients' life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Barros
- Neuron-Glia Biology in Health and Disease, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Adelaide Fernandes
- Neuron-Glia Biology in Health and Disease, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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10
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Ye H, Shaghaghi M, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Lutz SE, Chen W, Cai K. In Vivo Proton Exchange Rate (k ex ) MRI for the Characterization of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions in Patients. J Magn Reson Imaging 2020; 53:408-415. [PMID: 32975008 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently available radiological methods do not completely capture the diversity of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion subtypes. This lack of information hampers the understanding of disease progression and potential treatment stratification. For example, inflammation persists in some lesions after gadolinium (Gd) enhancement resolves. Novel metabolic and molecular imaging methods may improve the current assessments of MS pathophysiology. PURPOSE To compare the in vivo proton exchange rate (kex ) MRI with Gd-enhanced MRI for characterizing MS lesions. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. SUBJECTS Sixteen consecutively diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0T MRI with T2 -weighted imaging, postcontrast T1 -weighted imaging, and single-slice chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging. ASSESSMENT MS lesions in white matter were assessed for Gd enhancement and kex elevation compared to normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). STATISTICAL TESTS Student's t-test was used for analyzing the difference of kex values between lesions and NAWM, with statistical significance set at 0.05. RESULTS Of all 153 MS lesions, 78 (51%) lesions were Gd-enhancing and 75 (49%) were Gd-negative. Without exception, all 78 Gd-enhancing lesions showed significantly elevated kex values compared to NAWM (924 ± 130 s-1 vs. 735 ± 61 s-1 , P < 0.05). Of 75 Gd-negative lesions, 18 lesions (24%) showed no kex elevation (762 ± 29 s-1 vs. 755 ± 28 s-1 , P = 0.47) and 57 (76%) showed significant kex elevation (950 ± 124 s-1 vs. 759 ± 48 s-1 , P < 0.05) compared to NAWM. MS lesions with kex elevation appeared nodular (118, 87.4%), ring-like (15, 11.1%), or irregular-shaped (2, 1.5%). DATA CONCLUSION For Gd-enhancing lesions, kex MRI is highly consistent with Gd-enhanced images by showing 100% of elevated kex . For all Gd-negative lesions, the discrepancy on kex MRI may further differentiate active slowly expanding lesions or chronic inactive lesions, supporting kex as an imaging biomarker for tissue oxidative stress and inflammation. Level of Evidence 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 3 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:408-415.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Ye
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mehran Shaghaghi
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qianlan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sarah E Lutz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kejia Cai
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Center for MR Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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11
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Budd KR, Johnson M, Glaubiger SA, Jewells VL. Understanding the Radiologist's Role in Evaluating Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of the Tip of the Iceberg. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2020; 41:275-283. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Van Schependom J, Guldolf K, D'hooghe MB, Nagels G, D'haeseleer M. Detecting neurodegenerative pathology in multiple sclerosis before irreversible brain tissue loss sets in. Transl Neurodegener 2019; 8:37. [PMID: 31827784 PMCID: PMC6900860 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-019-0178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Accelerated brain volume loss, or also termed atrophy, is currently emerging as a popular imaging marker of neurodegeneration in affected patients, but, unfortunately, can only be reliably interpreted at the time when irreversible tissue damage likely has already occurred. Timing of treatment decisions based on brain atrophy may therefore be viewed as suboptimal. Main body This Narrative Review focuses on alternative techniques with the potential of detecting neurodegenerative events in the brain of subjects with MS prior to the atrophic stage. First, metabolic and molecular imaging provide the opportunity to identify early subcellular changes associated with energy dysfunction, which is an assumed core mechanism of axonal degeneration in MS. Second, cerebral hypoperfusion has been observed throughout the entire clinical spectrum of the disorder but it remains an open question whether this serves as an alternative marker of reduced metabolic activity, or exists as an independent contributing process, mediated by endothelin-1 hyperexpression. Third, both metabolic and perfusion alterations may lead to repercussions at the level of network performance and structural connectivity, respectively assessable by functional and diffusion tensor imaging. Fourth and finally, elevated body fluid levels of neurofilaments are gaining interest as a biochemical mirror of axonal damage in a wide range of neurological conditions, with early rises in patients with MS appearing to be predictive of future brain atrophy. Conclusions Recent findings from the fields of advanced neuroradiology and neurochemistry provide the promising prospect of demonstrating degenerative brain pathology in patients with MS before atrophy has installed. Although the overall level of evidence on the presented topic is still preliminary, this Review may pave the way for further longitudinal and multimodal studies exploring the relationships between the abovementioned measures, possibly leading to novel insights in early disease mechanisms and therapeutic intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Van Schependom
- 1Neurology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium.,2Radiology Department Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Guldolf
- 1Neurology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Marie Béatrice D'hooghe
- 1Neurology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium.,Nationaal Multiple Sclerose Centrum, Melsbroek, Belgium
| | - Guy Nagels
- 1Neurology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium.,Nationaal Multiple Sclerose Centrum, Melsbroek, Belgium
| | - Miguel D'haeseleer
- 1Neurology Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel; Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussel, Belgium.,Nationaal Multiple Sclerose Centrum, Melsbroek, Belgium
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13
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Liu T, Chen Y, Thomas AM, Song X. CEST MRI with distribution-based analysis for assessment of early stage disease activity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis: An initial study. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 32:e4139. [PMID: 31342587 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Imaging biomarkers that can detect pathological changes at an early stage of multiple sclerosis (MS) may allow earlier therapeutic intervention with an improved outcome. Using a mouse model of MS, termed as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we performed chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI at a very early stage before symptom onset (6 days post-induction) for assessment of changes in tissues that appear "normal" with conventional MRI. The collected CEST Z-spectra signals (Ssat /S0 ) were analyzed using a histogram-guided method to determine the contributions from various offset frequencies. Histogram analysis showed that EAE mice exhibit a more heterogeneous distribution with lower peak heights in the hindbrain compared with naïve mice at saturation offsets of 1 and 2 ppm. At these two offsets, both the mean Ssat /S0 and the mean MTRasym values in the cerebellum and brain stem are significantly different between EAE and naïve mice (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescent staining validated the presence of neuroinflammation, with IBA1-positive cells detected throughout the hindbrain including the cerebellum and brain stem. Follow-up MRI at the symptom onset (score = 1.5-2.5, 13 days post-induction) confirmed gadolinium-enhanced periventricular lesions. CEST Z-spectra signals also changed by this time. The proposed three-level histogram-oriented analysis is simple to execute and robust for detecting subtle changes in Z-spectra signals, which does not require a priori knowledge of damage locations or contributing offset components. CEST MRI signals at 1 and 2 ppm were sensitive to the subtle pathological changes at an early stage in EAE mice, and have potential as novel imaging biomarkers complementary to functional and physiological MRI measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Dept. of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yanrong Chen
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Dept. of Information Sciences and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aline M Thomas
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaolei Song
- Russell H. Morgan Dept. of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of MR Research, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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14
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Baldassari LE, Feng J, Clayton BLL, Oh SH, Sakaie K, Tesar PJ, Wang Y, Cohen JA. Developing therapeutic strategies to promote myelin repair in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:997-1013. [PMID: 31215271 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1632192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Approved disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) lessen inflammatory disease activity that causes relapses and MRI lesions. However, chronic inflammation and demyelination lead to axonal degeneration and neuronal loss, for which there currently is no effective treatment. There has been increasing interest in developing repair-promoting strategies, but there are important unanswered questions regarding the mechanisms and appropriate methods to evaluate these treatments. Areas covered: The rationale for remyelinating agents in MS is discussed, with an overview of both myelin physiology and endogenous repair mechanisms. This is followed by a discussion of the identification and development of potential remyelinating drugs. Potential biomarkers of remyelination are reviewed, including considerations regarding measuring remyelination in clinical trials. Information and data were obtained from a search of recent literature through PubMed. Peer-reviewed original articles and review articles were included. Expert opinion: There are several obstacles to the translation of potential remyelinating agents to clinical trials, particularly uncertainty regarding the most appropriate study population and method to monitor remyelination. Refinements in clinical trial design and outcome measurement, potentially via advanced imaging techniques, are needed to optimize detection of repair in patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Baldassari
- Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Jenny Feng
- Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Benjamin L L Clayton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Se-Hong Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies , Yongin , Republic of Korea
| | - Ken Sakaie
- Imaging Institute, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Paul J Tesar
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Yanming Wang
- Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Jeffrey A Cohen
- Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research, Cleveland Clinic , Cleveland , OH , USA
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15
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Moccia M, Ruggieri S, Ianniello A, Toosy A, Pozzilli C, Ciccarelli O. Advances in spinal cord imaging in multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2019; 12:1756286419840593. [PMID: 31040881 PMCID: PMC6477770 DOI: 10.1177/1756286419840593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord is frequently affected in multiple sclerosis (MS), causing motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. A number of pathological abnormalities, including demyelination and neuroaxonal loss, occur in the MS spinal cord and are studied in vivo with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this review is to summarise and discuss recent advances in spinal cord MRI. Advances in conventional spinal cord MRI include improved identification of MS lesions, recommended spinal cord MRI protocols, enhanced recognition of MRI lesion characteristics that allow MS to be distinguished from other myelopathies, evidence for the role of spinal cord lesions in predicting prognosis and monitoring disease course, and novel post-processing methods to obtain lesion probability maps. The rate of spinal cord atrophy is greater than that of brain atrophy (-1.78% versus -0.5% per year), and reflects neuroaxonal loss in an eloquent site of the central nervous system, suggesting that it can become an important outcome measure in clinical trials, especially in progressive MS. Recent developments allow the calculation of spinal cord atrophy from brain volumetric scans and evaluation of its progression over time with registration-based techniques. Fully automated analysis methods, including segmentation of grey matter and intramedullary lesions, will facilitate the use of spinal cord atrophy in trial designs and observational studies. Advances in quantitative imaging techniques to evaluate neuroaxonal integrity, myelin content, metabolic changes, and functional connectivity, have provided new insights into the mechanisms of damage in MS. Future directions of research and the possible impact of 7T scanners on spinal cord imaging will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moccia
- Queen Square MS Centre, NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neurosciences, Federico II University of Naples, via Sergio Pansini, 5, Edificio 17 - piano terra, Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ianniello
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ahmed Toosy
- Queen Square MS Centre, NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Queen Square MS Centre, NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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16
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Bauckneht M, Capitanio S, Raffa S, Roccatagliata L, Pardini M, Lapucci C, Marini C, Sambuceti G, Inglese M, Gallo P, Cecchin D, Nobili F, Morbelli S. Molecular imaging of multiple sclerosis: from the clinical demand to novel radiotracers. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2019; 4:6. [PMID: 31659498 PMCID: PMC6453990 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-019-0058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain PET imaging with different tracers is mainly clinically used in the field of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. In recent years, the potential usefulness of PET has also gained attention in the field of MS. In fact, MS is a complex disease and several processes can be selected as a target for PET imaging. The use of PET with several different tracers has been mainly evaluated in the research setting to investigate disease pathophysiology (i.e. phenotypes, monitoring of progression) or to explore its use a surrogate end-point in clinical trials. Results We have reviewed PET imaging studies in MS in humans and animal models. Tracers have been grouped according to their pathophysiological targets (ie. tracers for myelin kinetic, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration). The emerging clinical indication for brain PET imaging in the differential diagnosis of suspected tumefactive demyelinated plaques as well as the clinical potential provided by PET images in view of the recent introduction of PET/MR technology are also addressed. Conclusion While several preclinical and fewer clinical studies have shown results, full-scale clinical development programs are needed to translate molecular imaging technologies into a clinical reality that could ideally fit into current precision medicine perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bauckneht
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Selene Capitanio
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Raffa
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Roccatagliata
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Lapucci
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,CNR Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of the Veneto Region, Department of Neurosciences DNS, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Diego Cecchin
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, Padova University Hospital, Padua, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Flavio Nobili
- Clinical Neurology, Department of Neuroscience (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Neurologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Morbelli
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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17
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Sormani MP, Pardini M. Assessing Repair in Multiple Sclerosis: Outcomes for Phase II Clinical Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:924-933. [PMID: 28695472 PMCID: PMC5722763 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathology is complex and includes inflammatory processes, neurodegeneration, and demyelination. While multiple drugs have been developed to tackle MS-related inflammation, to date there is scant evidence regarding which therapeutic approach, if any, could be used to reverse demyelination, foster tissue repair, and thus positively impact on chronic disability. Here, we reviewed the current structural and functional markers (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, optical coherence tomography, and visual evoked potentials) which could be used in phase II clinical trials of new compounds aimed to foster tissue repair in MS. Magnetic transfer ratio recovery in newly formed lesions currently represents the most widely used biomarker of tissue repair in MS, even if other markers, such as optical coherence tomography and positron emission tomography hold great promise to complement magnetic transfer ratio in tissue repair clinical trials. Future studies are needed to better characterize the different possible biomarkers to study tissue repair in MS, especially regarding their pathological specificity, sensitivity to change, and their relationship with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Policlinic San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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18
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Moccia M, de Stefano N, Barkhof F. Imaging outcome measures for progressive multiple sclerosis trials. Mult Scler 2017; 23:1614-1626. [PMID: 29041865 PMCID: PMC5650056 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517729456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Imaging markers that are reliable, reproducible and sensitive to neurodegenerative changes in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) can enhance the development of new medications with a neuroprotective mode-of-action. Accordingly, in recent years, a considerable number of imaging biomarkers have been included in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in primary and secondary progressive MS. Brain lesion count and volume are markers of inflammation and demyelination and are important outcomes even in progressive MS trials. Brain and, more recently, spinal cord atrophy are gaining relevance, considering their strong association with disability accrual; ongoing improvements in analysis methods will enhance their applicability in clinical trials, especially for cord atrophy. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (e.g. magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), spectroscopy) have been included in few trials so far and hold promise for the future, as they can reflect specific pathological changes targeted by neuroprotective treatments. Positron emission tomography (PET) and optical coherence tomography have yet to be included. Applications, limitations and future perspectives of these techniques in clinical trials in progressive MS are discussed, with emphasis on measurement sensitivity, reliability and sample size calculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Moccia
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola de Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Translational Imaging Group, UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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