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Zetterberg H, Teunissen C, van Swieten J, Kuhle J, Boxer A, Rohrer JD, Mitic L, Nicholson AM, Pearlman R, McCaughey SM, Tatton N. The role of neurofilament light in genetic frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcac310. [PMID: 36694576 PMCID: PMC9866262 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic frontotemporal lobar degeneration caused by autosomal dominant gene mutations provides an opportunity for targeted drug development in a highly complex and clinically heterogeneous dementia. These neurodegenerative disorders can affect adults in their middle years, progress quickly relative to other dementias, are uniformly fatal and have no approved disease-modifying treatments. Frontotemporal dementia, caused by mutations in the GRN gene which encodes the protein progranulin, is an active area of interventional drug trials that are testing multiple strategies to restore progranulin protein deficiency. These and other trials are also examining neurofilament light as a potential biomarker of disease activity and disease progression and as a therapeutic endpoint based on the assumption that cerebrospinal fluid and blood neurofilament light levels are a surrogate for neuroaxonal damage. Reports from genetic frontotemporal dementia longitudinal studies indicate that elevated concentrations of blood neurofilament light reflect disease severity and are associated with faster brain atrophy. To better inform patient stratification and treatment response in current and upcoming clinical trials, a more nuanced interpretation of neurofilament light as a biomarker of neurodegeneration is now required, one that takes into account its relationship to other pathophysiological and topographic biomarkers of disease progression from early presymptomatic to later clinically symptomatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,DRI Fluid Biomarker Laboratory, Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | - Charlotte Teunissen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John van Swieten
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Neurology, Department of Biomedicine, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adam Boxer
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Queen Square UCL Institute of Neurology, Dementia Research Centre, UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Mitic
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Bluefield Project to Cure FTD, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexandra M Nicholson
- The Bluefield Project to Cure FTD, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Nadine Tatton
- Medical Affairs, Alector, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Individual differences in visual evoked potential latency are associated with variance in brain tissue volume in people with multiple sclerosis: An analysis of brain function-structure correlates. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 68:104116. [PMID: 36041331 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Visual evoked potentials (VEP) index visual pathway functioning, and are often used for clinical assessment and as outcome measures in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). VEPs may also reflect broader neural disturbances that extend beyond the visual system, but this possibility requires further investigation. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that delayed latency of the P100 component of the VEP would be associated with broader structural changes in the brain in PwMS. We obtained VEP latency for a standard pattern-reversal checkerboard stimulus paradigm, in addition to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measures of whole brain volume (WBV), gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), and T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) white matter lesion volume (FLV). Correlation analyses indicated that prolonged VEP latency was significantly associated with lower WBV, GMV, and WMV, and greater FLV. VEP latency remained significantly associated with WBV, GMV, and WMV even after controlling for the variance associated with inter-ocular latency, age, time between VEP and MRI assessments, and other MRI variables. VEP latency delays were most pronounced in PwMS that exhibited low volume in both white and gray matter simultaneously. Furthermore, PwMS that had delayed VEP latency based on a clinically relevant cutoff (VEP latency ≥ 113 ms) in both eyes had lower WBV, GMV, and WMV and greater FLV in comparison to PwMS that had normal VEP latency in one or both eyes. The findings suggest that PwMS that have delayed latency in both eyes may be particularly at risk for exhibiting greater brain atrophy and lesion volume. These analyses also indicate that VEP latency may index combined gray matter and white matter disturbances, and therefore broader network connectivity and efficiency. VEP latency may therefore provide a surrogate marker of broader structural disturbances in the brain in MS.
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Niiranen M, Koikkalainen J, Lötjönen J, Selander T, Cajanus A, Hartikainen P, Simula S, Vanninen R, Remes AM. Grey matter atrophy in patients with benign multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2679. [PMID: 35765699 PMCID: PMC9304852 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain atrophy appears during the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with the disability caused by the disease. METHODS We investigated global and regional grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volumes, WM lesion load, and corpus callosum index (CCI), in benign relapsing-remitting MS (BRRMS, n = 35) with and without any treatment and compared those to aggressive relapsing-remitting MS (ARRMS, n = 46). Structures were analyzed by using an automated MRI quantification tool (cNeuro®). RESULTS The total brain and cerebral WM volumes were larger in BRRMS than in ARRMS (p = .014, p = .017 respectively). In BRRMS, total brain volumes, regional GM volumes, and CCI were found similar whether or not disease-modifying treatment (DMT) was used. The total (p = .033), as well as subcortical (p = .046) and deep WM (p = .041) lesion load volumes were larger in BRRMS patients without DMT. Cortical GM volumes did not differ between BRRMS and ARRMS, but the volumes of total brain tissue (p = .014) and thalami (p = .003) were larger in patients with BRRMS compared to ARRMS. A positive correlation was found between CCI and whole-brain volume in both BRRMS (r = .73, p < .001) and ARRMS (r = .80, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS Thalamic volume is the most prominent measure to differentiate BRRMS and ARRMS. Validation of automated quantification of CCI provides an additional applicable MRI biomarker to detect brain atrophy in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Niiranen
- Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | - Tuomas Selander
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti Cajanus
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Hartikainen
- Neuro Center, Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sakari Simula
- Department of Neurology, Mikkeli Central Hospital, Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Ritva Vanninen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine - Radiology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Radiology, Imaging Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Remes
- Unit of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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4
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Maarouf A, Audoin B, Gherib S, El Mendili MM, Viout P, Pariollaud F, Boutière C, Rico A, Guye M, Ranjeva JP, Zaaraoui W, Pelletier J. Grey-matter sodium concentration as an individual marker of multiple sclerosis severity. Mult Scler 2022; 28:1903-1912. [PMID: 35723278 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221102587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quantification of brain injury in patients with variable disability despite similar disease duration may be relevant to identify the mechanisms underlying disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to compare grey-matter sodium abnormalities (GMSAs), a parameter reflecting neuronal and astrocyte dysfunction, in MS patients with benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) and non-benign multiple sclerosis (NBMS). METHODS We identified never-treated BMS patients in our local MS database of 1352 patients. A group with NBMS was identified with same disease duration. All participants underwent 23Na magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The existence of GMSA was detected by statistical analysis. RESULTS In total, 102 individuals were included (21 BMS, 25 NBMS and 56 controls). GMSA was detected in 10 BMS and 19 NBMS (11/16 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 8/9 secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients) (p = 0.05). On logistic regression including the presence or absence of GMSA, thalamic volume, cortical grey-matter volume and T2-weighted lesion load, thalamic volume was independently associated with BMS status (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64 for each unit). Nonetheless, the absence of GMSA was independently associated when excluding patients with significant cognitive alteration (n = 7) from the BMS group (OR = 4.6). CONCLUSION Detection of GMSA in individuals and thalamic volume are promising to differentiate BMS from NBMS as compared with cortical or whole grey-matter atrophy and T2-weighted lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Maarouf
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France/APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Bertrand Audoin
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France/APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Soraya Gherib
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Patrick Viout
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Clémence Boutière
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Audrey Rico
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France/APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Guye
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France/APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Wafaa Zaaraoui
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Pelletier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France/APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
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5
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Nguemeni C, Nakchbandi L, Homola G, Zeller D. Impaired consolidation of visuomotor adaptation in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2020; 28:884-892. [PMID: 33068452 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14599] [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: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apart from inflammation and neurodegeneration, the individual clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) might be determined by differential adaptive capacities of the central nervous system. It has been postulated that the retention of adaptive training effects may be impaired in persons with MS (PwMS). OBJECTIVE To investigate motor adaptation and consolidation capacities of people with MS in a visual motor adaptation task (VAT). METHODS A total of 23 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score < 6) and 20 matched healthy controls were recruited. All participants completed three sessions of a VAT where a clockwise rotation angle of 30° was introduced as perturbation during the active learning part of the paradigm. The training session (T0 ) was repeated after 24 h (T1 ) and 72 h (T2 ). Directional errors and parameters of adaptation and retention were evaluated. RESULTS PwMS showed similar adaptation and online learning abilities as controls. However, the retention ratio was significantly lower in patients compared to controls at T1 (p = 0.036) and T2 (p = 0.039). There was no significant correlation between the overall adaptation or retention ratio and the EDSS score, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate intact adaptation, but limited consolidation, in patients with mild-to-moderate MS. Future studies are needed to define the neurobiological substrates of this plasticity and the extent to which it can influence clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Nguemeni
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Luis Nakchbandi
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - György Homola
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Association of circulating anti-CD64 IgM levels with favourable long-term clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 330:130-135. [PMID: 30878695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating levels of IgM anti-CD64, an immunosuppressive antibody recently identified in long-term stable multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, were found to fluctuate over time in MS patients. Antibody-positive patients showed a significantly lower annualized relapse rate value as well as reached sustained disability worsening and had a relapse in a significantly longer median time than those without antibody. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) only were the covariate influencing both the relapse occurrence and the disability accrual. Serum IgM anti-CD64 levels are associated with maintenance of clinical stability in MS and may be tested as a candidate biomarker predictive of benign course and favourable long-term response to DMTs treatment.
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7
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The evolution of "No Evidence of Disease Activity" in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2017; 20:231-238. [PMID: 29579629 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The availability of effective therapies for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has prompted a re-evaluation of the most appropriate way to measure treatment response, both in clinical trials and clinical practice. Traditional parameters of treatment efficacy such as annualized relapse rate, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity, and disability progression have an important place, but their relative merit is uncertain, and the role of other factors such as brain atrophy is still under study. More recently, composite measures such as "no evidence of disease activity" (NEDA) have emerged as new potential treatment targets, but NEDA itself has variable definitions, is not well validated, and may be hard to implement as a treatment goal in a clinical setting. We describe the development of NEDA as an outcome measure in MS, discuss definitions including NEDA-3 and NEDA-4, and review the strengths and limitations of NEDA, indicating where further research is needed.
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8
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Ton AMM, Vasconcelos CCF, Alvarenga RMP. Benign multiple sclerosis: aspects of cognition and neuroimaging. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2017; 75:394-401. [PMID: 28658410 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20170043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of a benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) form is a controversial subject. Recent studies of these patients reveal different levels of cognitive impairment, despite the apparent preservation of motor function. The objective of this study was to review and analyze a number of publications that discuss the general aspects of this disease form, such as the definition criteria, prevalence, and clinical and neuroimaging markers. A systematic review of published data on BMS up to October 2015 was performed. Thirty-one published articles were analyzed. The estimated frequency of BMS varied between 6% and 73%. Cognitive impairment was recognized as affecting 17% to 47% of the subjects and presented significant correlation with neuroimaging, such as brain atrophy, increased lesion volume in T2 magnetic resonance assay, and regional grey matter atrophy. The current criteria overestimated the frequency of BMS and, for that reason, this highlights the importance of validating the diagnostic methods practiced.
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9
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Zivadinov R, Raj B, Ramanathan M, Teter B, Durfee J, Dwyer MG, Bergsland N, Kolb C, Hojnacki D, Benedict RH, Weinstock-Guttman B. Autoimmune Comorbidities Are Associated with Brain Injury in Multiple Sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1010-6. [PMID: 26892983 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The effect of comorbidities on disease severity in MS has not been extensively characterized. We determined the association of comorbidities with MR imaging disease severity outcomes in MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Demographic and clinical history of 9 autoimmune comorbidities confirmed by retrospective chart review and quantitative MR imaging data were obtained in 815 patients with MS. The patients were categorized on the basis of the presence/absence of total and specific comorbidities. We analyzed the MR imaging findings, adjusting for key covariates and correcting for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Two hundred forty-one (29.6%) study subjects presented with comorbidities. Thyroid disease had the highest frequency (n = 97, 11.9%), followed by asthma (n = 41, 5%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 40, 4.9%), psoriasis (n = 33, 4%), and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 22, 2.7%). Patients with MS with comorbidities showed decreased whole-brain and cortical volumes (P < .001), gray matter volume and magnetization transfer ratio of normal-appearing brain tissue (P < .01), and magnetization transfer ratio of gray matter (P < .05). Psoriasis, thyroid disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus comorbidities were associated with decreased whole-brain, cortical, and gray matter volumes (P < .05). Psoriasis was associated with a decreased magnetization transfer ratio of normal-appearing brain tissue (P < .05), while type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with increased mean diffusivity (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS The presence of comorbidities in patients with MS is associated with brain injury on MR imaging. Psoriasis, thyroid disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus comorbidities were associated with more severe nonconventional MR imaging outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zivadinov
- From the, Department of Neurology (R.Z., B.R., J.D., M.G.D., N.B.), Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center MR Imaging Clinical Translational Research Center (R.Z.)
| | - B Raj
- From the, Department of Neurology (R.Z., B.R., J.D., M.G.D., N.B.), Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center
| | - M Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.R.), School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - B Teter
- Department of Neurology (B.T., C.K., D.H., R.H.B., B.W.-G.), Jacobs MS Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - J Durfee
- From the, Department of Neurology (R.Z., B.R., J.D., M.G.D., N.B.), Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center
| | - M G Dwyer
- From the, Department of Neurology (R.Z., B.R., J.D., M.G.D., N.B.), Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center
| | - N Bergsland
- From the, Department of Neurology (R.Z., B.R., J.D., M.G.D., N.B.), Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (N.B.), IRCCS Don Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - C Kolb
- Department of Neurology (B.T., C.K., D.H., R.H.B., B.W.-G.), Jacobs MS Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - D Hojnacki
- Department of Neurology (B.T., C.K., D.H., R.H.B., B.W.-G.), Jacobs MS Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - R H Benedict
- Department of Neurology (B.T., C.K., D.H., R.H.B., B.W.-G.), Jacobs MS Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - B Weinstock-Guttman
- Department of Neurology (B.T., C.K., D.H., R.H.B., B.W.-G.), Jacobs MS Center, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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10
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Dula AN, Pawate S, Dortch RD, Barry RL, George-Durrett KM, Lyttle BD, Dethrage LM, Gore JC, Smith SA. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spinal cord in multiple sclerosis at 7T. Mult Scler 2015. [PMID: 26209591 DOI: 10.1177/1352458515591070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is mainly attributable to cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord dysfunction. High-resolution, 7T anatomical imaging of the cervical spinal cord is presented. Image contrast between gray/white matter and lesions surpasses conventional, clinical T1- and T2-weighted sequences at lower field strengths. OBJECTIVE To study the spinal cord of healthy controls and patients with MS using magnetic resonance imaging at 7T. METHODS Axial (C2-C5) T1- and T2*-weighted and sagittal T2*-/spin-density-weighted images were acquired at 7T in 13 healthy volunteers (age 22-40 years), and 15 clinically diagnosed MS patients (age 19-53 years, Extended Disability Status Scale, (EDSS) 0-3) in addition to clinical 3T scans. In healthy volunteers, a high-resolution multi-echo gradient echo scan was obtained over the same geometry at 3T. Evaluation included signal and contrast to noise ratios and lesion counts for healthy and patient volunteers, respectively. RESULTS/CONCLUSION High-resolution images at 7T exceeded resolutions reported at lower field strengths. Gray and white matter were sharply demarcated and MS lesions were more readily visualized at 7T compared to clinical acquisitions, with lesions apparent at both fields. Nerve roots were clearly visualized. White matter lesion counts averaged 4.7 vs 3.1 (52% increase) per patient at 7T vs 3T, respectively (p=0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne N Dula
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Siddharama Pawate
- Department of Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Richard D Dortch
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Robert L Barry
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | | | - Bailey D Lyttle
- Department of Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Lindsey M Dethrage
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Seth A Smith
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA/Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
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11
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Enzinger C, Fazekas F. Measuring Gray Matter and White Matter Damage in MS: Why This is Not Enough. Front Neurol 2015; 6:56. [PMID: 25852635 PMCID: PMC4362212 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2015.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria ; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - Franz Fazekas
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
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12
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Plasticity of the motor system in multiple sclerosis. Neuroscience 2014; 283:222-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Global N-acetylaspartate concentration in benign and non-benign multiple sclerosis patients of long disease duration. Eur J Radiol 2013; 82:e848-52. [PMID: 24041438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE To examine whether clinically benign multiple sclerosis patients (BMS) show similar losses of their global N-acetylaspartate (NAA) neuronal marker relative to more clinically disabled patients of similar disease duration. METHODS The whole-brain NAA concentration (WBNAA) was acquired with whole-head non-localizing proton MR spectroscopy. Fractional brain parenchymal volume (fBPV), T2 and T1 lesion loads, were obtained from the MRI in: (i) 24 BMS patients: 23.1 ± 7.2 years disease duration, median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 2.0 (range: 0-3); (ii) 26 non-benign MS patients (non-BMS), 24.5 ± 7.4 years disease duration, median EDSS of 4.0 (range: 3.5-6.5); (iii) 15 healthy controls. RESULTS Controls' 12.4 ± 2.3mM WBNAA was significantly higher than the BMS's and non-BMS's 10.5 ± 2.4 and 9.9 ± 2.1mM (both p<0.02), but the difference between the patients' groups was not (p>0.4). Likewise, the controls' 81.2 ± 4.5% fBPV exceeded the BMS and non-BMS's 77.0 ± 5.8% and 76.3 ± 8.6% (p<0.03), which were also not different from one another (p>0.7). BMS patients' T1-hypointense lesion load, 2.1 ± 2.2 cm(3), was not significantly different than the non-BMS's 4.1 ± 5.4 cm(3) (p>0.08) and T2-hyperintense loads: 6.0 ± 5.7 cm(3) and 8.7 ± 7.8 cm(3), were also not different (p>0.1). CONCLUSIONS WBNAA differentiates normal controls from MS patients but does not distinguish BMS from more disabled MS patients of similar disease duration. Nevertheless, all MS patients who remain RR for 15+ years suffered WBNAA loss similar to the average RR MS population at fourfold shorter disease duration suggesting relative global neuronal sparing or leveling-off of the neurodegeneration rate.
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Abstract
Although the definition of benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) remains controversial, it is generally applied to a subgroup of MS patients showing little disease progression, with minimal disability decades after disease onset, and is based mainly on changes in motor function. Recent studies, however, reveal that deterioration of cognitive function, fatigue, pain, and depression also occur in BMS patients, causing negative impact on work and social activities, despite complete preservation of motor function. Using conventional MRI techniques, lesion load observed in BMS is similar to levels in other disease subtypes; however, newer quantitative MRI techniques show less tissue damage, as well as greater repair and compensatory efficiency following MS injury. Currently accepted criteria for BMS diagnosis may cause overestimation of true prevalence, underscoring the need for routine monitoring of nonmotor symptoms and imaging studies. Clearly, the definition of BMS currently applied in clinical practice requires reassessment.
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Primary and secondary leiomyosarcoma of the oral and perioral region--clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of a rare entity with a review of the literature. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2013; 71:1132-42. [PMID: 23434173 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) rarely occurs in the head and neck region. These tumors present with a wide range of clinical features, so the diagnosis is predicated on conventional microscopic findings coupled with immunohistochemical analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Clinical and histologic data of 7 patients with LMS of the head and neck were recorded retrospectively. In addition to routine immunohistochemistry, staining for cell cycle regulator proteins p16 and p21 was performed. RESULTS Five LMSs (4 intraoral, 1 dermal cheek) occurred primarily in the oral and perioral region. Two LMSs (parietal and sinonasal) were diagnosed as metastases originating from the uterus and pelvis. Treatment of the primary LMSs consisted of radical tumor resection with clear margins. Distant metastases from LMSs were irradiated or excised as palliative treatment. Three of 5 patients (60%) with primarily excised LMS developed recurrence after an average of 7 months, with lung metastases occurring after 17 months. In 1 patient, cervical lymph node metastases were detected after 10 months. Of all patients, 5 died after an average survival period of 2.4 years. The mean survival period of the 5 patients with primary LMS of the head and neck was 3.3 years. All tumors were positive for vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin, with 57% of tumors showing positive nuclear expression of p16 and 71% of p21. Lack of p16 nuclear expression was associated with a shorter mean survival time (1.3 vs 4.3 yr for p16 positivity). CONCLUSION Lung and cervical lymph node metastases often occur in LMS of the head and neck. Presurgical staging, including gynecologic examination, whole-body computed tomography, and sometimes positron-emission or computed tomography, to rule out LMS metastasis is mandatory. Surgical resection of the tumor should be given top priority. Lack of p16 reactivity may have a prognostic value for LMS because it was related to a trend toward poorer survival.
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Kapur N, Cole J, Manly T, Viskontas I, Ninteman A, Hasher L, Pascual-Leone A. Positive Clinical Neuroscience. Neuroscientist 2013; 19:354-69. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858412470976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of the brain and its sensory organs have traditionally been associated with deficits in movement, perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior. It is increasingly evident, however, that positive phenomena may also occur in such conditions, with implications for the individual, science, medicine, and for society. This article provides a selective review of such positive phenomena – enhanced function after brain lesions, better-than-normal performance in people with sensory loss, creativity associated with neurological disease, and enhanced performance associated with aging. We propose that, akin to the well-established field of positive psychology and the emerging field of positive clinical psychology, the nascent fields of positive neurology and positive neuropsychology offer new avenues to understand brain-behavior relationships, with both theoretical and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tom Manly
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Indre Viskontas
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Lynn Hasher
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alvaro Pascual-Leone
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Tipirneni A, Weinstock-Guttman B, Ramanathan M, Abdelrahman N, Hussein S, Hagemeier J, Durfee J, Teter BE, Hojnacki D, Dwyer MG, Zivadinov R. MRI characteristics of familial and sporadic multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler 2012; 19:1145-52. [PMID: 23232600 DOI: 10.1177/1352458512469697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the MRI characteristics in a large cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without a family history of MS. METHODS Enrolled in this prospective study were 758 consecutive MS patients (mean age 46.2 ± 10.1 years, disease duration 13.6 ± 9.2 years and EDSS 3.4 ± 2.1), of whom 477 had relapsing-remitting, 222 secondary-progressive, and 30 primary-progressive disease courses and 29 had clinically isolated syndrome. One hundred and ninety-six patients (25.9%) had a positive family history of MS. Patients were assessed using measurements of lesions, brain atrophy, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and diffusion-weighted imaging. RESULTS The familial MS group had greater T1-lesion volume (p=0.009) and a trend for lower MTR of T1-lesion volume (p=0.047) than the sporadic MS group. No clinical differences were found between familial versus sporadic group, or by a degree of affected relative subgroups. CONCLUSIONS While familial MS was associated with more severe T1-lesion volume and its MTR characteristics, there were no clinical status differences between familial and sporadic MS patients. Therefore, a better understanding of the genetic and/or epigenetic influences causing these differences can advance the understanding and management of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Tipirneni
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, USA
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18
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Benign multiple sclerosis (MS), traditionally defined as Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤3 and ≥15-year disease duration, is thought to follow a milder clinical course. We determined the extent of visual pathway axonal loss by optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in a benign MS cohort and examined the relation to vision and quality of life (QOL). METHODS In this longitudinal study of vision in MS at 3 academic centers, a subset of patients with EDSS, visual function, OCT, and QOL assessments was analyzed. Low- and high-contrast letter acuity was performed to assess visual function. RNFL thickness was determined using time-domain OCT. QOL scales included the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and Short Form-36 Health Survey. RESULTS Among 68 patients (135 eyes) studied longitudinally, 13 (26 eyes) had benign MS using criteria of EDSS score ≤3 and ≥15-year disease duration. Benign MS eyes had as much RNFL thinning (-3.6 μm, P = 0.0008 vs baseline, paired t test) as typical MS eyes (-3.3 μm, P < 0.0001). Both groups had significant low-contrast acuity loss. History of optic neuritis (ON) was more frequent in benign MS (69% vs 33% of eyes). History of ON distinguished benign vs typical MS (P = 0.002) and correlated with RNFL thickness at baseline (P = 0.002) and disease duration (P = 0.03) but not EDSS (P = 0.32, logistic regression). NEI-VFQ-25 scores were also worse for benign MS, accounting for age (75 ± 21 vs 88 ± 11, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Patients with benign MS have RNFL axonal loss that is as marked as that of typical MS and have reduced vision and QOL. While overall neurologic impairment is mild, visual dysfunction, not well captured by the EDSS, accounts for a substantial degree of disability in benign MS.
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van Rensburg SJ, Kotze MJ, van Toorn R. The conundrum of iron in multiple sclerosis--time for an individualised approach. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:239-53. [PMID: 22422107 PMCID: PMC3402663 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although the involvement of immune mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) is undisputed, some argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis that MS is an autoimmune disease, and that the difference between immune- and autoimmune disease mechanisms has yet to be clearly delineated. Uncertainties surrounding MS disease pathogenesis and the modest efficacy of currently used disease modifying treatments (DMTs) in the prevention of disability, warrant the need to explore other possibilities. It is evident from the literature that people diagnosed with MS differ widely in symptoms and clinical outcome--some patients have a benign disease course over many years without requiring any DMTs. Attempting to include all patients into a single entity is an oversimplification and may obscure important observations with therapeutic consequences. In this review we advocate an individualised approach named Pathology Supported Genetic Testing (PSGT), in which genetic tests are combined with biochemical measurements in order to identify subgroups of patients requiring different treatments. Iron dysregulation in MS is used as an example of how this approach may benefit patients. The theory that iron deposition in the brain contributes to MS pathogenesis has caused uncertainty among patients as to whether they should avoid iron. However, the fact that a subgroup of people diagnosed with MS show clinical improvement when they are on iron supplementation emphasises the importance of individualised therapy, based on genetic and biochemical determinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J van Rensburg
- Division of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Hospital, PO Box 19113, 7505 Tygerberg, South Africa.
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Margaritella N, Mendozzi L, Garegnani M, Nemni R, Colicino E, Gilardi E, Pugnetti L. Exploring the predictive value of the evoked potentials score in MS within an appropriate patient population: a hint for an early identification of benign MS? BMC Neurol 2012; 12:80. [PMID: 22913733 PMCID: PMC3488473 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-12-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic value of evoked potentials (EPs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been fully established. The correlations between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at First Neurological Evaluation (FNE) and the duration of the disease, as well as between EDSS and EPs, have influenced the outcome of most previous studies. To overcome this confounding relations, we propose to test the prognostic value of EPs within an appropriate patient population which should be based on patients with low EDSS at FNE and short disease duration. METHODS We retrospectively selected a sample of 143 early relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients with an EDSS < 3.5 from a larger database spanning 20 years. By means of bivariate logistic regressions, the best predictors of worsening were selected among several demographic and clinical variables. The best multivariate logistic model was statistically validated and prospectively applied to 50 patients examined during 2009-2011. RESULTS The Evoked Potentials score (EP score) and the Time to EDSS 2.0 (TT2) were the best predictors of worsening in our sample (Odds Ratio 1.10 and 0.82 respectively, p=0.001). Low EP score (below 15-20 points), short TT2 (lower than 3-5 years) and their interaction resulted to be the most useful for the identification of worsening patterns. Moreover, in patients with an EP score at FNE below 6 points and a TT2 greater than 3 years the probability of worsening was 10% after 4-5 years and rapidly decreased thereafter. CONCLUSIONS In an appropriate population of early RRMS patients, the EP score at FNE is a good predictor of disability at low values as well as in combination with a rapid buildup of disability. Interestingly, an EP score at FNE under the median together with a clinical stability lasting more than 3 years turned out to be a protective pattern. This finding may contribute to an early identification of benign patients, well before the term required to diagnose Benign MS (BMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Margaritella
- Laboratory of Clinical Neurophysiology, Scientific Institute (IRCCS) S, Maria Nascente, don C. Gnocchi Foundation, Via Capecelatro 66, Milan, 20148, Italy
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Fast high-resolution brain imaging with balanced SSFP: Interpretation of quantitative magnetization transfer towards simple MTR. Neuroimage 2012; 59:202-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Ropele S, Langkammer C, Enzinger C, Fuchs S, Fazekas F. Relaxation time mapping in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2011; 11:441-50. [PMID: 21375449 DOI: 10.1586/ern.10.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several relaxation mapping techniques have been proposed to quantitatively assess disease-related brain tissue changes in multiple sclerosis. Newer developments also account for the distribution of hydrogen protons in different tissue compartments, and therefore provide markers for myelin and macromolecular content. This article will cover the broad spectrum of the pulse sequences and analysis techniques related to this topic that are currently available. Various technical and practical limitations linked with specific approaches will be discussed. These include acquisition time, accuracy and precision, radiofrequency absorption and limited coverage of the brain. Finally, the application of these techniques in the context of multiple sclerosis will be reviewed.
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Rigotti DJ, Gass A, Achtnichts L, Inglese M, Babb JS, Naegelin Y, Hirsch J, Amann M, Kappos L, Gonen O. Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale and whole-brain N-acetylaspartate concentration for patients' assessment. Mult Scler 2011; 18:98-107. [PMID: 21921070 DOI: 10.1177/1352458511415142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) is highly desirable but lacking. OBJECTIVE To test whether the MS Severity Scale (MSSS) and global neuronal viability, assessed through the quantification of the whole-brain N-acetylaspartate concentration (WBNAA), concur or complement the assessment of individual patients' disease course. METHODS The MSSS and average WBNAA loss rate (ΔWBNAA, extrapolated based on one current measurement and the assumption that at disease onset neural sparing was similar to healthy controls, obtained with proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) from 61 patients with MS (18 male and 43 female) with long disease duration (15 years or more) were retrospectively examined. Some 27 patients exhibited a 'benign' disease course, characterized by an Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS) of 3.0 or less, and 34 were 'non-benign': EDSS score higher than 3.0. RESULTS The two cohorts were indistinguishable in age and disease duration. Benign patients' EDSS and MSSS (2.1 ± 0.7, 1.15 ± 0.60) were significantly lower than non-benign (4.6 ± 1.0, 3.6 ± 1.2; both p < 10(-4)). Their respective average ΔWBNAA, 0.10 ± 0.16 and 0.11 ± 0.12 mM/year, however, were not significantly different (p > 0.7). While MSSS is both sensitive to (92.6%) and specific for (97.0%) benign MS, ΔWBNAA is only sensitive (92.6%) but not specific (2.9%). CONCLUSION Since the WBNAA loss rate is similar in both phenotypes, the only difference between them is their clinical classification, characterized by MSSS and EDSS. This may indicate that 'benign' MS probably reflects fortuitous sparing of clinically eloquent brain regions and better utilization of brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Rigotti
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Colorado RA, Shukla K, Zhou Y, Wolinsky JS, Narayana PA. Multi-task functional MRI in multiple sclerosis patients without clinical disability. Neuroimage 2011; 59:573-81. [PMID: 21840409 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.07.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 07/09/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While the majority of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) develop significant clinical disability, a subset experiences a disease course with minimal impairment even in the presence of significant apparent tissue damage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in MS patients with low disability suggests that increased use of the cognitive control system may limit the clinical manifestation of the disease. The current fMRI studies tested the hypothesis that nondisabled MS patients show increased recruitment of cognitive control regions while performing sensory, motor and cognitive tasks. Twenty two patients with relapsing-remitting MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≤1.5 and 23 matched healthy controls were recruited. Subjects underwent fMRI while observing flashing checkerboards, performing right or left hand movements, or executing the 2-back working memory task. Compared to control subjects, patients demonstrated increased activation of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex during the performance of the working memory task. This pattern of functional recruitment also was observed during the performance of non-dominant hand movements. These results support the mounting evidence of increased functional recruitment of cognitive control regions in the working memory system of MS patients with low disability and provide new evidence for the role of increased cognitive control recruitment in the motor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- René A Colorado
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Rovaris M, Rocca MA, Barkhof F, Calabrese M, De Stefano N, Khalil M, Fazekas F, Fisniku L, Gallo P, Miller DH, Montalban X, Polman C, Rovira A, Sombekke MH, Sormani MP, Stromillo ML, Filippi M. Relationship between brain MRI lesion load and short-term disease evolution in non-disabling MS: a large-scale, multicentre study. Mult Scler 2010; 17:319-26. [PMID: 21159719 DOI: 10.1177/1352458510388824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We evaluated clinical and conventional MRI features of a large population of patients with non-disabling MS to identify potential markers of a benign disease course. METHODS In seven MAGNIMS centres we retrospectively identified 182 patients with benign (B) MS (EDSS score ≤ 3.0, disease duration ≥ 15 years) and 187 patients with non-disabling relapsing-remitting MS (NDRRMS) (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤ 3.0, disease duration between 5 and 14 years), in whom clinical data were collected within two weeks from a brain T2-weighted scan. Brain T2 lesion volume (LV) was measured in all patients. In 146 BMS and 146 NDRRMS patients, clinical data were also available after a median follow up of 29 months (range: 7-104 months). RESULTS Mean LV was higher in BMS than in NDRRMS patients (p<0.001), but the mean ratio between LV and disease duration was higher in NDRRMS than in BMS patients (1.1 vs. 0.6 ml/year, p<0.001). In BMS patients, brain LV was correlated with EDSS score increase at follow up (r=0.18, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS An overall low rate of brain LV increase during a long-lasting disease course might be a feature of BMS. In BMS patients, a high brain LV might be associated with worsening of locomotor disability at short-term follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rovaris
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Rigotti DJ, Gonen O, Grossman RI, Babb JS, Falini A, Benedetti B, Filippi M. Global N-acetylaspartate declines even in benign multiple sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2010; 32:204-9. [PMID: 20966065 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuro-axonal damage is a well known sequelae of MS pathogeneses. Consequently, our aim was to test whether the ∼20% of patients with MS exhibiting a clinically benign disease course also have minimal neural dysfunction as reflected by the global concentration of their MR imaging marker NAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Q(NAA) was obtained with nonlocalizing whole-head (1)H-MR spectroscopy in 43 patients with benign RRMS (30 women, 13 men; mean age, 44.7 ± 7.3 years of age) with 21.0 ± 4.4 years (range, 15-35 years) of disease duration from the first symptom and an EDSS score of 1.9 (range, 0-3). Q(NAA) was by divided by the brain volume (from MR imaging segmentation) to normalize it into WBNAA. All participants gave institutional review board-approved written informed consent, and the study was HIPAA compliant. RESULTS The patients' lesion load was 12.2 ± 7.7 cm(3). Their 8.3 ± 1.8 mmol/L WBNAA was 35% lower than that in controls (P < .001). Individual average loss rates (absolute loss compared with controls divided by disease duration) clustered around 0.22 ± 0.09 mmol/L/year (1.7%/year, assuming monotonic decline). This rate could be extrapolated from that already reported for patients with RRMS of much shorter disease duration. WBNAA did not correlate with lesion load or EDSS. CONCLUSIONS Normal WBNAA is not characteristic of benign MS and is not an early predictor of its course. These patients, therefore, probably benefit from successful compensation and sparing of eloquent regions. Because they may ultimately have a rapid decline once their brain plasticity is exhausted, they may benefit from treatment options offered to more affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Rigotti
- Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
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Giorgio A, Portaccio E, Stromillo ML, Marino S, Zipoli V, Battaglini M, Blandino A, Bartolozzi ML, Siracusa G, Amato MP, De Stefano N. Cortical functional reorganization and its relationship with brain structural damage in patients with benign multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2010; 16:1326-34. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458510377333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have a favourable clinical status several years after disease onset are classified as ‘benign’. In many cases brain tissue damage does not differ between benign MS and the ‘classical’ MS forms. Objective: To assess whether the favourable clinical course in benign MS could be explained by the presence of an efficient functional cortical reorganization. Method: Twenty-five right-handed patients with benign MS (defined as having Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤ 3 and disease duration >15 years) underwent functional MRI during a simple motor task (right-hand tapping) to assess movement-associated brain activation. This was compared with that of 10 patients with relapsing—remitting MS and 10 normal controls. Benign MS patients also underwent conventional brain MRI and magnetization transfer imaging, which was compared with an identical examination obtained 1 year before. Quantitative structural magnetic resonance measures were baseline and changes over time in T2-lesion volume, magnetization transfer ratio in T2 lesions and normal-appearing brain and total brain volume. Results: Movement-related activation was greater in patients with benign MS than in those with relapsing—remitting MS or normal controls, extensively involving bilateral regions of the sensorimotor network as well as basal ganglia, insula and cerebellum. Greater activation correlated with lower T2-lesion magnetization transfer ratio, and with decreasing brain volume and increasing T2 lesion volume. Conclusions: The results suggest that bilateral brain networks, beyond those normally engaged in motor tasks, are recruited during a simple hand movement in patients with benign MS. This increased activation is probably the expression of an extensive, compensatory and tissue-damage related functional cortical reorganization. This can explain, at least in part, the favourable clinical expression of patients with benign MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giorgio
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Stromillo
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Marino
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi, 'Bonino-Pulejo', Messina, Italy
| | | | - Marco Battaglini
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Anita Blandino
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Nicola De Stefano
- Neurology and Neurometabolic Unit, Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy,
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Bilello M, Suri N, Krejza J, Woo JH, Bagley LJ, Mamourian AC, Vossough A, Chen JY, Millian BR, Mulderink T, Markowitz CE, Melhem ER. An approach to comparing accuracies of two FLAIR MR sequences in the detection of multiple sclerosis lesions in the brain in the absence of gold standard. Acad Radiol 2010; 17:686-95. [PMID: 20457413 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2010.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2009] [Revised: 01/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to present a new methodology to compare accuracies of two imaging fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance sequences in detection of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions in the brain in the absence of ground truth, and to determine whether the two sequences, which differed only in echo time (TE), have the same accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We acquired FLAIR images at TE(1) = 90 ms and TE(2) = 155 ms from 46 patients with MS (24-69 years old, mean 45.8, 15 males) and 11 healthy volunteers (23-54 years old, mean 37.1, 6 males). Seven experienced neuroradiologists segmented lesions manually on randomly presented corresponding TE(1) and TE(2) images. For every image pair, a "surrogate ground truth" for each TE was generated by applying probability thresholds, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5, to the weighted average of experts' segmentations. Jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare experts' performance on TE(1) and TE(2) images, using successively the TE(1)- and TE(2)-based ground truths. RESULTS Supratentorially, there were significant differences in relative accuracy between the two sequences, ranging from 8.4% to 12.1%. In addition, we found a higher ratio of false positives to true positives for the TE(2) sequence using the TE(2) ground truth, compared to the TE(1) equivalent. Infratentorially, differences in the relative accuracy did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION The presented methodology may be useful in assessing the value of new clinical imaging protocols or techniques in the context of replacing existing ones, when the absolute ground truth is not available, and in determining changes in disease progression in follow-up studies. Our results suggest that the sequence with shorter TE should be preferred because it generates relatively fewer false positives. The finding is consistent with results of previous computer simulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Bilello
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA
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Spanò B, Cercignani M, Basile B, Romano S, Mannu R, Centonze D, Caltagirone C, Bramanti P, Nocentini U, Bozzali M. Multiparametric MR investigation of the motor pyramidal system in patients with 'truly benign' multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2009; 16:178-88. [PMID: 20007429 DOI: 10.1177/1352458509356010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
One possible explanation for the mismatch between tissue damage and preservation of neurological functions in patients with benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is that the pathophysiology differs from that occurring in other multiple sclerosis (MS) phenotypes. The objective of this study was to identify pathologically specific patterns of tissue integrity/damage characteristics of patients with BMS, and markers of potential prognostic value. The pyramidal system was investigated in 10 BMS patients and 20 controls using voxel-based morphometry to assess grey matter (GM) atrophy, and diffusion tractography and quantitative magnetization transfer to quantify the microstructural damage in the corticospinal tracts (CSTs). Widespread reductions in GM volume were found in patients compared with controls, including the primary motor cortex. A significant decrease was observed in the mean macromolecular pool ratio (F) of both CSTs, with no fractional anisotropy (FA) change. GM volume of the primary motor areas was associated with clinical scores but not with the CST parameters. The mismatch between F and FA suggests the presence of extensive demyelination in the CSTs of patients with BMS, in the absence of axonal damage. The lack of correlation with GM volume indicates a complex interaction between disruptive and reparative mechanisms in BMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Spanò
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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30
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Mesaros S, Rocca MA, Riccitelli G, Pagani E, Rovaris M, Caputo D, Ghezzi A, Capra R, Bertolotto A, Comi G, Filippi M. Corpus callosum damage and cognitive dysfunction in benign MS. Hum Brain Mapp 2009; 30:2656-66. [PMID: 19067325 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Corpus callosum (CC), the largest compact white matter fiber bundle of the human brain involved in interhemispheric transfer, is frequently damaged in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment is one of the factors affecting quality of life of patients with benign MS (BMS). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the cognitive profile of BMS patients and the extent of tissue damage in the CC. Brain conventional and DT MRI scans were acquired from 54 BMS patients and 21 healthy controls. Neuropsychological tests (NPT) exploring memory, attention, and frontal lobe cognitive domains were administered to the patients. DT tractography was used to calculate the mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the CC normal appearing white matter (NAWM). An index of CC atrophy was also estimated. Nine (17%) BMS patients fulfilled criteria for cognitive impairment. Compared with controls, BMS had significantly different CC diffusivity and volumetry (P < 0.001). Compared with cognitively preserved patients, those with CI had significantly higher CC lesion volume (LV) (P = 0.02) and NAWM MD (P = 0.02). The scores obtained at PASAT were significantly correlated with CC T2 LV, and NAWM FA and MD (r values ranging from -0.31 to 0.66, P values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Cognitive impairment in BMS is associated with the extent of CC damage in terms of both focal lesions and diffuse fiber bundle injury. MRI assessment of topographical distribution of tissue damage may represent a rewarding strategy for understanding the subtle clinical deficits of patients with BMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarlota Mesaros
- Scientific Institute, University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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31
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Ceccarelli A, Filippi M, Neema M, Arora A, Valsasina P, Rocca MA, Healy BC, Bakshi R. T2 hypointensity in the deep gray matter of patients with benign multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2009; 15:678-86. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458509103611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Gray matter (GM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 hypointensity, a putative marker of iron deposition, commonly occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, GM T2 hypointensity in benign MS (BMS) has not yet been characterized. Objective To determine the presence of deep GM T2 hypointensity in BMS, compare it to secondary progressive (SP) MS and assess its association with clinical and diffusion tensor (DT) MRI measures. Methods Thirty-five cognitively unimpaired BMS, 26 SPMS patients, and 25 healthy controls were analyzed for normalized T2-intensity in the basal ganglia and thalamus, global T2 hyperintense lesion volume, global atrophy, and white matter and GM DT metrics. Results BMS and SPMS patients showed deep GM T2 hypointensity compared with controls. T2 hypointensity was similar in both MS subgroups and moderately correlated ( r = −0.45 to 0.42) with DT MRI metrics. GM T2 hypointensity in BMS showed a weak to moderate correlation ( r = −0.44 to −0.35) with disability. Conclusions GM in BMS is not spared from structural change including iron deposition. However, while T2 hypointensity is related to global tissue disruption reflected in DT MRI, the expression of benign versus non-benign MS is likely related to other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ceccarelli
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - M Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - M Neema
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Arora
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Valsasina
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - MA Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - BC Healy
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Boston, MA, USA; Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Bakshi
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Laboratory for Neuroimaging Research, Boston, MA, USA
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Benedetti B, Rovaris M, Rocca MA, Caputo D, Zaffaroni M, Capra R, Bertolotto A, Martinelli V, Comi G, Filippi M. In-vivo evidence for stable neuroaxonal damage in the brain of patients with benign multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2009; 15:789-94. [PMID: 19465450 DOI: 10.1177/1352458509103714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The term benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is referred to patients who have a mild or absent disability several years after disease clinical onset. Axonal damage can be measured in vivo using proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS). In this study, we quantified the severity of "global" axonal damage in BMS and early relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients, using whole brain N-acetylaspartate (WBNAA) (1)H-MRS, to better elucidate the structural correlates of a non-disabling disease evolution. METHODS WBNAA concentration was measured in 37 patients with BMS (mean disease duration 22.3 years) and 17 patients with early RRMS (mean disease duration 4.0 years), using an unlocalized (1)H-MRS sequence. Dual echo and T1-weighted scans were also obtained to measure T2-hyperintense lesion volume (TLV) and normalized brain volume (NBV). RESULTS TLV was higher in BMS (mean TLV = 13.1 mL) than in early RRMS patients (mean TLV = 7.2 mL) (P = 0.018), whereas neither NBV (mean NBV: 1491.0 mL in BMS vs 1520.3 mL in RRMS) nor WBNAA concentration (mean WBNAA: 10.5 mmol in BMS vs 11.4 mmol in RRMS) significantly differed between the two groups. In MS patients, no correlation was found between WBNAA concentration and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), TLV and NBV. CONCLUSIONS The similar WBNAA concentrations seen in BMS and early RRMS patients fit with the notion that a non-disabling long-term evolution of MS may be due, at least in part, to non-progression of pathology. Such a condition seems to be independent from MRI-visible lesions burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Benedetti
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Scientific Institute and University Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurologic disease affecting young adults and adolescents in the United States. The first objective of this article is to familiarize nonspecialists with the cardinal features of multiple sclerosis and our current understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, and natural history. The second objective is to explain the approach to diagnosis. The third is to clarify current evidence-based treatment strategies and their roles in disease modification. The overall goal is to facilitate the timely evaluation and confirmation of diagnosis and enhance effective management through collaboration among primary physicians, neurologists, and other care providers who are confronted with these formidably challenging patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardith M Courtney
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
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Calabrese M, Filippi M, Rovaris M, Bernardi V, Atzori M, Mattisi I, Favaretto A, Grossi P, Barachino L, Rinaldi L, Romualdi C, Perini P, Gallo P. Evidence for relative cortical sparing in benign multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study. Mult Scler 2008; 15:36-41. [PMID: 18755823 DOI: 10.1177/1352458508096686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using double inversion recovery (DIR) MRI, cortical lesions can be seen in the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The burden of such lesions seems to be well correlated with the severity of MS-related disability. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the extent of cortical damage in patients with benign MS (BMS) might contribute to explain their favorable clinical status. METHODS Forty-eight patients with BMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score < or =3.0 and disease duration > or =15 years) and 96 patients with non-disabling, early relapsing-remitting (RR) MS (EDSS score < or =3.0 and disease duration < or =5 years) were studied. Brain MRI, including a DIR and a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence, was acquired at baseline and after 12 months. On DIR images, intracortical (ICL) and cortical-subcortical lesions (CSL) were identified and their number and volume calculated. Total white matter (WM) lesion volume was quantified on FLAIR images. RESULTS Compared with early RRMS, patients with BMS had lower number of ICL at both study time points (P < or = 0.001 for both comparisons). At one-year follow-up, a significant increase of ICL and CSL number and total volume was observed only in early patients with RRMS. The number and volume of cortical lesions was not correlated with WM lesion volume. Total ICL number at baseline, total cortical lesion volume at baseline, and total cortical lesion volume change were independent predictors of MS phenotype. CONCLUSION In patients with BMS, the selective sparing of the cortex from disease-related focal pathology might be one of the factors associated to their favorable clinical status, independently of the (possible) accrual of WM lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Calabrese
- The Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Veneto Region - First Neurology Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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