Scarpazza C, Signori A, Cosottini M, Sormani MP, Gerevini S, Capra R. Should frequent MRI monitoring be performed in natalizumab-treated MS patients? A contribution to a recent debate.
Mult Scler 2019;
26:1227-1236. [PMID:
31144589 DOI:
10.1177/1352458519854162]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective surveillance tool for the detection of asymptomatic progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). However, the optimal frequency for routine MRI surveillance is under-investigated.
OBJECTIVE
To understand whether, upon their first MRI appearance, PML lesions present a difference in volume when comparing patients who frequently underwent MRI surveillance (3/4 months) with those who were assessed at longer intervals (6/12 months) and to understand the impact of the volume of lesions on clinical outcome.
METHODS
The data of patients included in the Italian PML cohort were retrospectively analysed. Patients who had all the pre-diagnostic MRI scans available (n = 37) were included. The volume of PML lesion was calculated by manually outlining the PML lesion.
RESULTS
Compared with patients who underwent MRI examination at least every 4 months, patients who were assessed less frequently had a lesion of significantly higher volume (median: 2567 (883-3583) vs. 664 mm3 (392-963) p = 0.006) and suffered a higher rate of disability (median: 2.25 expanded disability status scale points (-2.5 to 8) vs. 0.5 (-1 to 2.5) p = 0.004).
CONCLUSION
The positive clinical outcome of patients undergoing frequent MRI surveillance and the small volume of the PML lesion upon first appearance justify a frequent surveillance using MRI in patients at high risk of PML.
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