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Luchetti L, Prados F, Cortese R, Gentile G, Calabrese M, Mortilla M, De Stefano N, Battaglini M. Evaluation of cervical spinal cord atrophy using a modified SIENA approach. Neuroimage 2024; 298:120775. [PMID: 39106936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120775] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord (SC) atrophy obtained from structural magnetic resonance imaging has gained relevance as an indicator of neurodegeneration in various neurological disorders. The common method to assess SC atrophy is by comparing numerical differences of the cross-sectional spinal cord area (CSA) between time points. However, this indirect approach leads to considerable variability in the obtained results. Studies showed that this limitation can be overcome by using a registration-based technique. The present study introduces the Structural Image Evaluation using Normalization of Atrophy on the Spinal Cord (SIENA-SC), which is an adapted version of the original SIENA method, designed to directly calculate the percentage of SC volume change over time from clinical brain MRI acquired with an extended field of view to cover the superior part of the cervical SC. In this work, we compared SIENA-SC with the Generalized Boundary Shift Integral (GBSI) and the CSA change. On a scan-rescan dataset, SIENA-SC was shown to have the lowest measurement error than the other two methods. When comparing a group of 190 Healthy Controls with a group of 65 Multiple Sclerosis patients, SIENA-SC provided significantly higher yearly rates of atrophy in patients than in controls and a lower sample size when measured for treatment effect sizes of 50%, 30% and 10%. Our findings indicate that SIENA-SC is a robust, reproducible, and sensitive approach for assessing longitudinal changes in spinal cord volume, providing neuroscientists with an accessible and automated tool able to reduce the need for manual intervention and minimize variability in measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Luchetti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Siena Imaging S.r.l., Siena, Italy
| | - Ferran Prados
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Center for Medical Imaging Computing, Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom; e-Health Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Cortese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Massimilano Calabrese
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movements, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of the University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marzia Mortilla
- Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital-IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; Siena Imaging S.r.l., Siena, Italy.
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Nicolella V, Fiorenza M, Monteiro I, Novarella F, Sirica R, D'Angelo M, Carbone G, La Civita E, Esposito A, Criscuolo V, Carotenuto A, Petracca M, Lanzillo R, Castaldo G, Morra VB, Terracciano D, Moccia M. Clinical utility of the Lumipulse™ immunoassay for plasma neurofilament light chain in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2024; 463:123115. [PMID: 38964268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123115] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) is robustly associated with disease worsening in multiple sclerosis (MS), though potentially affected by concomitant factors also determining neuro-axonal loss. We investigated the association between plasma NfL (pNfL) measured with Lumipulse™ immunoassay and demographic and clinical variables in MS. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 685 people with MS (age 49.7 ± 12.4 years; sex 65.55% females). On the same day, we collected plasma samples, along with demographics, comorbidities, and clinical variables (MS disease duration, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), descriptor of disease progression, current disease modifying treatment (DMT), number of previous DMTs, evidence of disease activity in the past year (i.e. relapse or MRI new lesions), EDSS progression). pNfL was evaluated using Lumipulse™ fully automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS On multivariable linear regression model, higher pNfL was associated with higher EDSS (Coeff = 1.73; 95%CI 0.78, 2.68; p < 0.01), recent disease activity (Coeff = 15.70; 95%CI = 5.35, 26.06; p < 0.01), and presence of cardiovascular comorbidity (Coeff = 3.84; 95%CI 0.48, 7.20; p = 0.025). Lower pNfL was found in patients on DMT treatment (Coeff = -10.23; 95%CI -18.42, -2.04; p = 0.015), when compared with no DMT (reference). For 77.81% of our population there was correspondence between pNfL levels and two previously-validated cutoffs. CONCLUSIONS pNfL measured using Lumipulse™ confirms known associations with MS activity, disability and treatments, and related confounding (e.g., cardiovascular comorbidity), thus granting further utilization in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Nicolella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Fiorenza
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Isabel Monteiro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy; Neurology Department, Coimbra University Hospital Center, Coimbra, Portugal; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Novarella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Sirica
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina D'Angelo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Carbone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Evelina La Civita
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Criscuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy; Centre for Advanced Biotechnology (CEINGE), Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy.
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3
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Monteiro I, Nicolella V, Fiorenza M, Novarella F, Carotenuto A, Lanzillo R, Mauriello L, Scalia G, Castaldo G, Terracciano D, Brescia Morra V, Moccia M. The ocrelizumab wearing-off phenomenon is associated with reduced immunomodulatory response and increased neuroaxonal damage in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:5012-5024. [PMID: 38777960 PMCID: PMC11319527 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12434-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The wearing-off phenomenon is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with ocrelizumab. We aim to evaluate the presence and severity of wearing-off to ocrelizumab in relation to demographic and MS clinical variables, immune profiling, and a marker of neuroaxonal damage (plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfl)). METHODS This cross-sectional study included MS patients treated with ocrelizumab from at least 1 year. Wearing-off questionnaire and blood samples were collected between 21 and 23 weeks after the previous ocrelizumab infusion. Lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated on peripheral blood using flow cytometry. PNfl was evaluated using fully automated chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS We included 106 people with MS (age 49.5 ± 11.6 years; females 42.3%; wearing-off 57.6%). On regression models, wearing-off was associated with higher pNfl, CD8, CD3, and CD3CD27 lymphocytes. Most frequent wearing-off symptoms were cognitive, sensory, and balance problems; wearing-off started < 1 week (9.4%), 1-4 weeks (10.7%) or > 4 weeks (10.7%) before infusion; 44.8% of the complaints were moderate to severe. Severity of wearing-off was associated with higher pNfl and CD8 lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Wearing-off is common in people with MS treated with ocrelizumab, and is associated with reduced immunomodulation (higher T lymphocytes) and increased neuroaxonal damage, suggesting reduced treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Monteiro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Neurology Department, Coimbra University Hospital Center, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Valerio Nicolella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Fiorenza
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Novarella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Carotenuto
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Scalia
- Centre for Advanced Biotechnology (CEINGE), Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Biotechnology (CEINGE), Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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4
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Chataway J, Williams T, Li V, Marrie RA, Ontaneda D, Fox RJ. Clinical trials for progressive multiple sclerosis: progress, new lessons learned, and remaining challenges. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:277-301. [PMID: 38365380 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite the success of disease-modifying treatments in relapsing multiple sclerosis, for many individuals living with multiple sclerosis, progressive disability continues to accrue. How to interrupt the complex pathological processes underlying progression remains a daunting and ongoing challenge. Since 2014, several immunomodulatory approaches that have modest but clinically meaningful effects have been approved for the management of progressive multiple sclerosis, primarily for people who have active inflammatory disease. The approval of these drugs required large phase 3 trials that were sufficiently powered to detect meaningful effects on disability. New classes of drug, such as Bruton tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, are coming to the end of their trial stages, several candidate neuroprotective compounds have been successful in phase 2 trials, and innovative approaches to remyelination are now also being explored in clinical trials. Work continues to define intermediate outcomes that can provide results in phase 2 trials more quickly than disability measures, and more efficient trial designs, such as multi-arm multi-stage and futility approaches, are increasingly being used. Collaborations between patient organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and academic researchers will be crucial to ensure that future trials maintain this momentum and generate results that are relevant for people living with progressive multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK; Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - Thomas Williams
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vivien Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Daniel Ontaneda
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Robert J Fox
- Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Rashidbenam Z, Ozturk E, Pagnin M, Theotokis P, Grigoriadis N, Petratos S. How does Nogo receptor influence demyelination and remyelination in the context of multiple sclerosis? Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1197492. [PMID: 37361998 PMCID: PMC10285164 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1197492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can progress with neurodegeneration as a consequence of chronic inflammatory mechanisms that drive neural cell loss and/or neuroaxonal dystrophy in the central nervous system. Immune-mediated mechanisms can accumulate myelin debris in the disease extracellular milieu during chronic-active demyelination that can limit neurorepair/plasticity and experimental evidence suggests that potentiated removal of myelin debris can promote neurorepair in models of MS. The myelin-associated inhibitory factors (MAIFs) are integral contributors to neurodegenerative processes in models of trauma and experimental MS-like disease that can be targeted to promote neurorepair. This review highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration as a consequence of chronic-active inflammation and outlines plausible therapeutic approaches to antagonize the MAIFs during the evolution of neuroinflammatory lesions. Moreover, investigative lines for translation of targeted therapies against these myelin inhibitors are defined with an emphasis on the chief MAIF, Nogo-A, that may demonstrate clinical efficacy of neurorepair during progressive MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rashidbenam
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ezgi Ozturk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maurice Pagnin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Matusche B, Litvin L, Schneider R, Bellenberg B, Mühlau M, Pongratz V, Berthele A, Groppa S, Muthuraman M, Zipp F, Paul F, Wiendl H, Meuth SG, Sämann P, Weber F, Linker RA, Kümpfel T, Gold R, Lukas C. Early spinal cord pseudoatrophy in interferon-beta-treated multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:453-462. [PMID: 36318271 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15620] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Brain pseudoatrophy has been shown to play a pivotal role in the interpretation of brain atrophy measures during the first year of disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis. Whether pseudoatrophy also affects the spinal cord remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent of pseudoatrophy in the upper spinal cord during the first 2 years after therapy initiation and compare this to the brain. METHODS A total of 129 patients from a prospective longitudinal multicentric national cohort study for whom magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months were available were selected for brain and spinal cord volume quantification. Annual percentage brain volume and cord area change were calculated using SIENA (Structural Image Evaluation of Normalized Atrophy) and NeuroQLab, respectively. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to compare patients on interferon-beta therapy (n = 84) and untreated patients (n = 45). RESULTS Patients treated with interferon-beta demonstrated accelerated annual percentage brain volume and cervical cord area change in the first year after treatment initiation, whereas atrophy rates stabilized to a similar and not significantly different level compared to untreated patients during the second year. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that pseudoatrophy occurs not only in the brain, but also in the spinal cord during the first year of interferon-beta treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Matusche
- Institute for Neuroradiology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ludmila Litvin
- Institute for Neuroradiology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ruth Schneider
- Department of Neurology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Barbara Bellenberg
- Institute for Neuroradiology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mark Mühlau
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Viola Pongratz
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Berthele
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sergiu Groppa
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Muthuraman Muthuraman
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frauke Zipp
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience and Immunotherapy, Rhine-Main Neuroscience Network, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Frank Weber
- Neurological Clinic, Sana Clinic Cham, Cham, Germany
| | - Ralf A Linker
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tania Kümpfel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, Biomedical Center and University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Lukas
- Institute for Neuroradiology, St Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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7
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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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8
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Siger M. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Patients : Review. Clin Neuroradiol 2022; 32:625-641. [PMID: 35258820 PMCID: PMC9424179 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-022-01144-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The recently developed effective treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) requires the accurate diagnosis of patients with this type of disease. Currently, the diagnosis of PPMS is based on the 2017 McDonald criteria, although the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to this process is fundamental. PPMS, one of the clinical types of MS, represents 10%-15% of all MS patients. Compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), PPMS differs in terms of pathology, clinical presentation and MRI features. Regarding conventional MRI, focal lesions on T2-weighted images and acute inflammatory lesions with contrast enhancement are less common in PPMS than in RRMS. On the other hand, MRI features of chronic inflammation, such as slowly evolving/expanding lesions (SELs) and leptomeningeal enhancement (LME), and brain and spinal cord atrophy are more common MRI characteristics in PPMS than RRMS. Nonconventional MRI also shows differences in subtle white and grey matter damage between PPMS and other clinical types of disease. In this review, we present separate diagnostic criteria, conventional and nonconventional MRI specificity for PPMS, which may support and simplify the diagnosis of this type of MS in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Siger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Łódź, 22 Kopcinskiego Str., 90-153, Łódź, Poland.
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9
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Prognostic biomarkers in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: validating and scrutinizing multimodal evoked potentials. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 137:152-158. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Krieger S. On Cave Paintings and Shallow Waters-The Case for Advancing Spinal Cord Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis. JAMA Neurol 2021; 79:9-10. [PMID: 34807242 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.4245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Krieger
- Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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11
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Valsasina P, Horsfield MA, Meani A, Gobbi C, Gallo A, Rocca MA, Filippi M. Improved Assessment of Longitudinal Spinal Cord Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis Using a Registration-Based Approach: Relevance for Clinical Studies. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 55:1559-1568. [PMID: 34582062 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27937] [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: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable measurements of cervical cord atrophy progression may be useful for monitoring neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). PURPOSE To compare a new, registration-based (Reg) method with two existing methods (active surface [AS] and propagation segmentation [PropSeg]) to measure cord atrophy changes over time in MS. STUDY TYPE Retrospective. SUBJECTS Cohort I: Eight healthy controls (HC) and 28 MS patients enrolled at a single institution, and cohort II: 25 HC and 63 MS patients enrolled at three European sites. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3D T1-weighted gradient echo sequence, acquired at 1.5 T (cohort I) and 3.0 T (cohort II). ASSESSMENT Percentage cord area changes (PCACs) between baseline and follow-up (cohort I: 2.34 years [interquartile range = 2.00-2.55 years], cohort II: 1.05 years [interquartile range = 1.01-1.18 years]) were evaluated for all subjects using Reg, AS, and PropSeg. Reg included an accurate registration of baseline and follow-up straightened cord images, followed by AS-based optimized cord segmentation. A subset of studies was analyzed twice by two observers. STATISTICAL TESTS Linear regression models were used to estimate annualized PCAC, and effect sizes expressed as the ratio between the estimated differences and HC error term (P < 0.05). Reproducibility was assessed by linear mixed-effect models. Annualized PCACs were used for sample size calculations (significance: α = 0.05, power: 1 - β = 0.80). RESULTS Annualized PCACs and related standard errors (SEs) were lower with Reg than with other methods: PCAC in MS patients at 1.5 T was -1.12% (SE = 0.22) with Reg, -1.32% (SE = 0.30) with AS, and -1.40% (SE = 0.33) with PropSeg, while at 3.0 T PCAC was -0.83% (SE = 0.25) with Reg, -0.92% (SE = 0.32) with AS, and -1.18 (SE = 0.53) with PropSeg. This was reflected in larger effect sizes and lower sample sizes. Intra- and inter-observer agreement range was 0.72-0.91 with AS, and it was >0.96 with Reg. DATA CONCLUSION The results support the use of the registration method to measure cervical cord atrophy progression in future MS clinical studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Valsasina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Meani
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Gobbi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences and 3T-MRI Research Centre, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Tencer T, Will O, Kumar J, Cambron-Mellott MJ, Mackie DS, Beusterien K. Patient and neurologist preferences in the UK for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treatments: findings from a discrete choice experiment. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:1589-1598. [PMID: 34129418 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1940911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare patient and neurologist preferences for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatments with respect to benefits and risks associated with common and novel disease-modifying therapies, including brain volume loss (BVL). METHODS Patients with non-highly-active RRMS and neurologists in the United Kingdom completed an online cross-sectional survey. Patients completed one discrete choice experiment (DCE) exercise and providers completed two, one focusing on treatment for non-highly-active RRMS and another focused on highly active RRMS. Respondents chose between two treatment profiles that varied on seven attributes identified in qualitative research: 2 year disability progression; 1 year relapse rate; rate of BVL; and risks of gastrointestinal symptoms, flu-like symptoms, infection and life-threatening event. Bayesian modeling was used to estimate attribute-level weighted preferences. RESULTS Patients (n = 144) prioritized slowing the rate of BVL, followed by reducing risk of infection, rate of 2 year disability progression and 1 year relapse rate. For non-highly-active patients, neurologists (n = 101) prioritized slowing the rate of BVL, followed by reducing 2 year disability progression, risk of infection and 1 year relapse rate. For highly active patients, neurologists prioritized lowering the 1 year relapse rate, followed by slowing the rate of BVL and 2 year disability progression. In all three DCEs, rate of BVL was approximately twice as important as reducing the risks of flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms and life-threatening event. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights similarities in treatment preferences for non-highly-active RRMS among patients and neurologists and differences in neurologists' preferences for treating non-highly-active vs. highly active RRMS. This research identifies BVL as a treatment outcome that should be discussed when physicians engage in shared decision-making with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Tencer
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Early Markers of Upper Cervical Cord Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Mult Scler Int 2021; 2021:9917582. [PMID: 34306756 PMCID: PMC8285164 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9917582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To quantitatively analyze the C2/C3 segments of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in their first five years of the disease and to investigate the intergroup differences regarding markers of spinal cord atrophy and their correlations with expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Materials and Methods Twenty NMOSD patients and twenty RRMS patients, within their first five years of the disease, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All patients underwent spinal cord MR imaging using 1.5 Tesla systems, and C2/C3 portions of the spinal cord were segmented in the obtained scans. C2/C3 anteroposterior diameter (C2/C3 SC-APD), transversal diameter (C2/C3 SC-TD), and cross-sectional area (C2/C3 SC-CSA) were quantitatively measured using Spinal Cord Toolbox v.4.3. Results Three NMOSD patients were seropositive for anti-AQP4 IgG. The mean C2/C3 SC-CSA in NMOSD patients was significantly lower than in RRMS patients. NMOSD patients had significantly lower C2/C3 SC-TDs than RRMS patients. With the three anti-AQP4+ patients excluded from the analysis, C2/C3 SC-TD was negatively correlated with EDSS. Conclusion In the early stages of the disease, quantitative evaluation of C2/C3 spinal cord parameters, including cross-sectional area and transversal diameter in NMOSD patients, appears to be of potential diagnostic and prognostic value.
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Bautin P, Cohen-Adad J. Minimum detectable spinal cord atrophy with automatic segmentation: Investigations using an open-access dataset of healthy participants. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2021; 32:102849. [PMID: 34624638 PMCID: PMC8503570 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluate the robustness of an automated analysis pipeline for detecting SC atrophy. Simulate spinal cord atrophy and scan-rescan variability. Fully automated analysis method available on an open access database. Evaluation of sample size and inter/intra-subject variability for T1w and T2w images.
Spinal cord atrophy is a well-known biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other diseases. It is measured by segmenting the spinal cord on an MRI image and computing the average cross-sectional area (CSA) over a few slices. Introduced about 25 years ago, this procedure is highly sensitive to the quality of the segmentation and is prone to rater-bias. Recently, fully-automated spinal cord segmentation methods, which remove the rater-bias and enable the automated analysis of large populations, have been introduced. A lingering question related to these automated methods is: How reliable are they at detecting atrophy? In this study, we evaluated the precision and accuracy of automated atrophy measurements by simulating scan-rescan experiments. Spinal cord MRI data from the open-access spine-generic project were used. The dataset aggregates 42 sites worldwide and consists of 260 healthy subjects and includes T1w and T2w contrasts. To simulate atrophy, each volume was globally rescaled at various scaling factors. Moreover, to simulate patient repositioning, random rigid transformations were applied. Using the DeepSeg algorithm from the Spinal Cord Toolbox, the spinal cord was segmented and vertebral levels were identified. Then, the average CSA between C3-C5 vertebral levels was computed for each Monte Carlo sample, allowing us to derive measures of atrophy, intra/inter-subject variability, and sample-size calculations. The minimum sample size required to detect an atrophy of 2% between unpaired study arms, commonly seen in MS studies, was 467 +/− 13.9 using T1w and 467 +/− 3.2 using T2w images. The minimum sample size to detect a longitudinal atrophy (between paired study arms) of 0.8% was 60 +/− 25.1 using T1w and 10 +/− 1.2 using T2w images. At the intra-subject level, the estimated CSA, observed in this study, showed good precision compared to other studies with COVs (across Monte Carlo transformations) of 0.8% for T1w and 0.6% for T2w images. While these sample sizes seem small, we would like to stress that these results correspond to a “best case” scenario, in that the dataset used here was of particularly good quality and the model for simulating atrophy does not encompass all the variability met in real-life datasets. The simulated atrophy and scan-rescan variability may over-simplify the biological reality. The proposed framework is open-source and available at https://csa-atrophy.readthedocs.io/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bautin
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Cohen-Adad
- NeuroPoly Lab, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Functional Neuroimaging Unit, CRIUGM, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Imaging of the Spinal Cord in Multiple Sclerosis: Past, Present, Future. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110857. [PMID: 33202821 PMCID: PMC7696997 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord imaging in multiple sclerosis (MS) plays a significant role in diagnosing and tracking disease progression. The spinal cord is one of four key areas of the central nervous system where documenting the dissemination in space in the McDonald criteria for diagnosing MS. Spinal cord lesion load and the severity of cord atrophy are believed to be more relevant to disability than white matter lesions in the brain in different phenotypes of MS. Axonal loss contributes to spinal cord atrophy in MS and its degree correlates with disease severity and prognosis. Therefore, measures of axonal loss are often reliable biomarkers for monitoring disease progression. With recent technical advances, more and more qualitative and quantitative MRI techniques have been investigated in an attempt to provide objective and reliable diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers in MS. In this article, we discuss the role of spinal cord imaging in the diagnosis and prognosis of MS and, additionally, we review various techniques that may improve our understanding of the disease.
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