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Jiang M, Yang S, Tan Y, Li X, He L. Sensorimotor network ALFF markers as prognostic indicators of cervical spondylotic myelopathy post-decompression surgery outcomes. J Clin Neurosci 2024; 129:110769. [PMID: 39213814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2024.110769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prognostic value of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) within the sensorimotor network (SMN) in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) following decompression surgery. METHODS Eighty-three presurgical CSM patients (pre-CSM), 60 of the same group followed-up 3 months after decompression surgery (post-CSM) and 83 healthy controls (HC) matched for age, sex and level of education underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans by 3.0 T MR. Then, ALFF values measurements were compared and ALFF alterations were assessed among pre- or postsurgical CSM patients and HC, as well as correlations with clinical indexes by Pearson correlation. RESULTS Compared with HC, the ALFF value of left inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus was decreased and the bilateral medial frontal gyrus was increased within pre-CSM (GRF correction). Compared with HC, the ALFF values of the left precentral gyrus, superior marginal gyrus, inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus, parietal lobule and postcentral gyrus decreased, while the ALFF value of the left auxiliary motor area, right anterior cuneiform lobule and right parietal lobule increased within post-CSM. Compared with pre-CSM patients, post-CSM patients had lower ALFF value in bilateral precuneus and precentral gyrus, but increased ALFF value in left medial superior frontal gyrus (Frontal_Sup_Medial_L). The ALFF value of the bilateral precuneus was positively correlated with the mJOA improvement rate, and the ALFF value of Frontal_Sup_Medial_L was positively correlated with the upper and lower limb scores within post-CSM. CONCLUSION Functional impairment and plasticity of SMN exist in CSM patients before and after surgery. ALFF within the SMN serves as a potential biomarker for predicting recovery outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 330006, China
| | - Shucheng Yang
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongming Tan
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaofen Li
- Department of Radiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, 330006, China.
| | - Laichang He
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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2
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Pontillo G, Cepas MB, Broeders TAA, Koubiyr I, Schoonheim MM. Network Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2024; 34:375-384. [PMID: 38942522 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, commonly featuring disability and cognitive impairment. The pathologic hallmark of MS lies in demyelination and hence impaired structural and functional neuronal pathways. Recent studies have shown that MS shows extensive structural disconnection of key network hub areas like the thalamus, combined with a functional network reorganization that can mostly be related to poorer clinical functioning. As MS can, therefore, be considered a network disorder, this review outlines recent innovations in the field of network neuroscience in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pontillo
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; MS Center Amsterdam, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mar Barrantes Cepas
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tommy A A Broeders
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ismail Koubiyr
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Colato E, Stutters J, Narayanan S, Arnold DL, Chataway J, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Barkhof F, Ciccarelli O, Eshaghi A, Chard DT. Longitudinal network-based brain grey matter MRI measures are clinically relevant and sensitive to treatment effects in multiple sclerosis. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae234. [PMID: 39077376 PMCID: PMC11285187 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae234] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis clinical trials, MRI outcome measures are typically extracted at a whole-brain level, but pathology is not homogeneous across the brain and so whole-brain measures may overlook regional treatment effects. Data-driven methods, such as independent component analysis, have shown promise in identifying regional disease effects but can only be computed at a group level and cannot be applied prospectively. The aim of this work was to develop a technique to extract longitudinal independent component analysis network-based measures of co-varying grey matter volumes, derived from T1-weighted volumetric MRI, in individual study participants, and assess their association with disability progression and treatment effects in clinical trials. We used longitudinal MRI and clinical data from 5089 participants (22 045 visits) with multiple sclerosis from eight clinical trials. We included people with relapsing-remitting, primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We used data from five negative clinical trials (2764 participants, 13 222 visits) to extract the independent component analysis-based measures. We then trained and cross-validated a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model (which can be applied prospectively to previously unseen data) to predict the independent component analysis measures from the same regional MRI volume measures and applied it to data from three positive clinical trials (2325 participants, 8823 visits). We used nested mixed-effect models to determine how networks differ across multiple sclerosis phenotypes are associated with disability progression and to test sensitivity to treatment effects. We found 17 consistent patterns of co-varying regional volumes. In the training cohort, volume loss was faster in four networks in people with secondary progressive compared with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and three networks with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Volume changes were faster in secondary compared with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in four networks. In the combined positive trials cohort, eight independent component analysis networks and whole-brain grey matter volume measures showed treatment effects, and the magnitude of treatment-placebo differences in the network-based measures was consistently greater than with whole-brain grey matter volume measures. Longitudinal network-based analysis of grey matter volume changes is feasible using clinical trial data, showing differences cross-sectionally and longitudinally between multiple sclerosis phenotypes, associated with disability progression, and treatment effects. Future work is required to understand the pathological mechanisms underlying these regional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Colato
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan Stutters
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sridar Narayanan
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Jeremy Chataway
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Brain Connectivity Centre, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Mondino Foundation, Pavia, 27100, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, W1T 7DN, UK
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Medical Centre, Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, The Netherlands
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Arman Eshaghi
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, W1T 7DN, UK
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Balestrino M, Adriano E, Alì PA, Pardini M. Selective Alteration of the Left Arcuate Fasciculus in Two Patients Affected by Creatine Transporter Deficiency. Brain Sci 2024; 14:337. [PMID: 38671990 PMCID: PMC11048612 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In hereditary creatine transporter deficiency (CTD), there is an absence of creatine in the brain and neurological symptoms are present, including severe language impairment. However, the pathological changes caused by creatine deficiency that generate neuropsychological symptoms have been poorly studied. (2) Aims: To investigate if the language impairment in CTD is underpinned by possible pathological changes. (3) Methods: We used MRI tractography to investigate the trophism of the left arcuate fasciculus, a white matter bundle connecting Wernicke's and Broca's language areas that is specifically relevant for language establishment and maintenance, in two patients (28 and 18 y.o.). (4) Results: The T1 and T2 MRI imaging results were unremarkable, but the left arcuate fasciculus showed a marked decrease in mean fractional anisotropy (FA) compared to healthy controls. In contrast, the FA values in the corticospinal tract were similar to those of healthy controls. Although white matter atrophy has been reported in CTD, this is the first report to show a selective abnormality of the language-relevant arcuate fasciculus, suggesting a possible region-specific impact of creatine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Balestrino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Adriano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Alessandro Alì
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (E.A.); (P.A.A.); (M.P.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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5
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Strik M, Eijlers AJC, Dekker I, Broeders TAA, Douw L, Killestein J, Kolbe SC, Geurts JJG, Schoonheim MM. Sensorimotor network dynamics predict decline in upper and lower limb function in people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2023; 29:81-91. [PMID: 36177896 PMCID: PMC9896264 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221125372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper and lower limb disabilities are hypothesized to have partially independent underlying (network) disturbances in multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE This study investigated functional network predictors and longitudinal network changes related to upper and lower limb progression in MS. METHODS Two-hundred fourteen MS patients and 58 controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), dexterity (9-Hole Peg Test) and mobility (Timed 25-Foot Walk) measurements (baseline and 5 years). Patients were stratified into progressors (>20% decline) or non-progressors. Functional network efficiency was calculated using static (over entire scan) and dynamic (fluctuations during scan) approaches. Baseline measurements were used to predict progression; significant predictors were explored over time. RESULTS In both limbs, progression was related to supplementary motor area and caudate efficiency (dynamic and static, respectively). Upper limb progression showed additional specific predictors; cortical grey matter volume, putamen static efficiency and posterior associative sensory (PAS) cortex, putamen, primary somatosensory cortex and thalamus dynamic efficiency. Additional lower limb predictors included motor network grey matter volume, caudate (dynamic) and PAS (static). Only the caudate showed a decline in efficiency over time in one group (non-progressors). CONCLUSION Disability progression can be predicted using sensorimotor network measures. Upper and lower limb progression showed unique predictors, possibly indicating different network disturbances underlying these types of progression in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Strik
- M Strik Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Medical School, Level 1, Kenneth Myer building, 30 Royal Parade, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia.
| | - Anand JC Eijlers
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Dekker
- MS Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tommy AA Broeders
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Douw
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joep Killestein
- MS Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Scott C Kolbe
- Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeroen JG Geurts
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- MS Center Amsterdam, Anatomy and Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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6
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Chen X, Huang Z, Lin W, Li M, Ye Z, Qiu Y, Xia X, Chen N, Hu J, Gan S, Chen Q. Altered brain white matter structural motor network in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 10:225-236. [PMID: 36479904 PMCID: PMC9930426 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a disorder within the brain network. However, the relationship between the brain network and disease severity is still unclear. This study aims to investigate changes in the white matter (WM) structural motor network, both in preclinical and ataxic stages, and its relationship with disease severity. METHODS For this study, 20 ataxic, 20 preclinical SCA3 patients, and 20 healthy controls were recruited and received MRI scans. Disease severity was quantified using the SARA and ICARS scores. The WM motor structural network was created using probabilistic fiber tracking and was analyzed using graph theory and network-based statistics at global, nodal, and edge levels. In addition, the correlations between network topological measures and disease duration or clinical scores were analyzed. RESULTS Preclinical patients showed increasing assortativity of the motor network, altered subnetwork including 12 edges of 11 nodes, and 5 brain regions presenting reduced nodal strength. In ataxic patients assortativity of the motor network also increased, but global efficiency, global strength, and transitivity decreased. Ataxic patients showed a wider altered subnetwork and a higher number of reduced nodal strengths. A negative correlation between the transitivity of the motor network and SARA and ICARS scores was observed in ataxic patients. INTERPRETATION Changes to the WM motor network in SCA3 start before ataxia onset, and WM motor network involvement increases with disease progression. Global network topological measures of the WM motor network appear to be a promising image biomarker for disease severity. This study provides new insights into the pathophysiology of disease in SCA3/MJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin‐Yuan Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Zi‐Qiang Huang
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Meng‐Cheng Li
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Zhi‐Xian Ye
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yu‐Sen Qiu
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiao‐Yue Xia
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Na‐Ping Chen
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jian‐Ping Hu
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Shi‐Rui Gan
- Department of NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Qun‐Lin Chen
- Department of RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
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7
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Schoonheim MM, Broeders TAA, Geurts JJG. The network collapse in multiple sclerosis: An overview of novel concepts to address disease dynamics. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 35:103108. [PMID: 35917719 PMCID: PMC9421449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can be considered a network disorder. In MS, lesional pathology continuously disconnects structural pathways in the brain, forming a disconnection syndrome. Complex functional network changes then occur that are poorly understood but closely follow clinical status. Studying these structural and functional network changes has been and remains crucial to further decipher complex symptoms like cognitive impairment and physical disability. Recent insights especially implicate the importance of monitoring network hubs in MS, like the thalamus and default-mode network which seem especially hit hard. Such network insights in MS have led to the hypothesis that as the network continues to become disconnected and dysfunctional, exceeding a certain threshold of network efficiency loss leads to a "network collapse". After this collapse, crucial network hubs become rigid and overloaded, and at the same time a faster neurodegeneration and accelerated clinical (and cognitive) progression can be seen. As network neuroscience has evolved, the MS field can now move towards a clearer classification of the network collapse itself and specific milestone events leading up to it. Such an updated network-focused conceptual framework of MS could directly impact clinical decision making as well as the design of network-tailored rehabilitation strategies. This review therefore provides an overview of recent network concepts that have enhanced our understanding of clinical progression in MS, especially focusing on cognition, as well as new concepts that will likely move the field forward in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Tommy A A Broeders
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Lapucci C, Schiavi S, Signori A, Sbragia E, Bommarito G, Cellerino M, Uccelli A, Inglese M, Roccatagliata L, Pardini M. The role of disconnection in explaining disability in multiple sclerosis. Eur Radiol Exp 2022; 6:23. [PMID: 35672589 PMCID: PMC9174414 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-022-00277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In multiple sclerosis, the correlation between white matter lesion volumes (LV) and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) is at best moderate, leading to the “clinico-radiological paradox”, influenced by many factors, including the lack of information on the spatial localisation of each lesion on synthetic metrics such as LV. We used a probabilistic approach to provide the volume of WM tracts that may be disconnected by lesions and to evaluate its correlation with EDSS. Methods Forty-five patients (aged 37.4 ± 6.8 years, mean ± standard deviation; 30 females; 29 relapsing-remitting, 16 progressive) underwent 3-T magnetic resonance imaging. Both LV and the volume of the tracts crossing the lesioned regions (disconnectome volume, DV) were calculated using BCBtoolkit and correlated with EDSS. Results T1-weighted LV and DV significantly correlated with EDSS (p ≤ 0.006 r ≥ 0.413) as it was for T2-weighted LV and T2-weighted DV (p ≤ 0.004 r ≥ 0.430), but only T1-weighetd and T2-weighted DVs were EDSS significant predictors (p ≤ 0.001). The correlations of T1-weighted and T2-weighted LV with EDSS were significantly mediated by DV, while no effect of LV on the EDSS-DV correlation was observed. Conclusion The volume of disconnected WM bundles mediates the LV-EDSS correlation, representing the lonely EDSS predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Lapucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. .,IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elvira Sbragia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bommarito
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cellerino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Roccatagliata
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. .,Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRRCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo P. Daneo, 3, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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9
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York EN, Thrippleton MJ, Meijboom R, Hunt DPJ, Waldman AD. Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac088. [PMID: 35652121 PMCID: PMC9149789 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin-sensitive MRI such as magnetization transfer imaging has been widely used in multiple sclerosis. The influence of methodology and differences in disease subtype on imaging findings is, however, not well established. Here, we systematically review magnetization transfer brain imaging findings in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We examine how methodological differences, disease effects and their interaction influence magnetization transfer imaging measures. Articles published before 06/01/2021 were retrieved from online databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) with search terms including 'magnetization transfer' and 'brain' for systematic review, according to a pre-defined protocol. Only studies that used human in vivo quantitative magnetization transfer imaging in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (with or without healthy controls) were included. Additional data from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects acquired in other studies comprising mixed disease subtypes were included in meta-analyses. Data including sample size, MRI acquisition protocol parameters, treatments and clinical findings were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. Where possible, effect sizes were calculated for meta-analyses to determine magnetization transfer (i) differences between patients and healthy controls; (ii) longitudinal change and (iii) relationships with clinical disability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Eighty-six studies met inclusion criteria. MRI acquisition parameters varied widely, and were also underreported. The majority of studies examined the magnetization transfer ratio in white matter, but magnetization transfer metrics, brain regions examined and results were heterogeneous. The analysis demonstrated a risk of bias due to selective reporting and small sample sizes. The pooled random-effects meta-analysis across all brain compartments revealed magnetization transfer ratio was 1.17 per cent units (95% CI -1.42 to -0.91) lower in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis than healthy controls (z-value: -8.99, P < 0.001, 46 studies). Linear mixed-model analysis did not show a significant longitudinal change in magnetization transfer ratio across all brain regions [β = 0.12 (-0.56 to 0.80), t-value = 0.35, P = 0.724, 14 studies] or normal-appearing white matter alone [β = 0.037 (-0.14 to 0.22), t-value = 0.41, P = 0.68, eight studies]. There was a significant negative association between the magnetization transfer ratio and clinical disability, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale [r = -0.32 (95% CI -0.46 to -0.17); z-value = -4.33, P < 0.001, 13 studies]. Evidence suggests that magnetization transfer imaging metrics are sensitive to pathological brain changes in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, although effect sizes were small in comparison to inter-study variability. Recommendations include: better harmonized magnetization transfer acquisition protocols with detailed methodological reporting standards; larger, well-phenotyped cohorts, including healthy controls; and, further exploration of techniques such as magnetization transfer saturation or inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. York
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Rozanna Meijboom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David P. J. Hunt
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic,
University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Adam D. Waldman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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10
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The Role of Hub and Spoke Regions in Theory of Mind in Early Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030544. [PMID: 35327346 PMCID: PMC8945345 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Theory of mind (ToM, the ability to attribute mental states to others) deficit is a frequent finding in neurodegenerative conditions, mediated by a diffuse brain network confirmed by 18F-FDG-PET and MR imaging, involving frontal, temporal and parietal areas. However, the role of hubs and spokes network regions in ToM performance, and their respective damage, is still unclear. To study this mechanism, we combined ToM testing with brain 18F-FDG-PET imaging in 25 subjects with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI−AD), 24 subjects with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and 40 controls. Regions included in the ToM network were divided into hubs and spokes based on their structural connectivity and distribution of hypometabolism. The hubs of the ToM network were identified in frontal regions in both bvFTD and MCI−AD patients. A mediation analysis revealed that the impact of spokes damage on ToM performance was mediated by the integrity of hubs (p < 0.001), while the impact of hubs damage on ToM performance was independent from the integrity of spokes (p < 0.001). Our findings support the theory that a key role is played by the hubs in ToM deficits, suggesting that hubs could represent a final common pathway leading from the damage of spoke regions to clinical deficits.
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11
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Kulik SD, Nauta IM, Tewarie P, Koubiyr I, van Dellen E, Ruet A, Meijer KA, de Jong BA, Stam CJ, Hillebrand A, Geurts JJG, Douw L, Schoonheim MM. Structure-function coupling as a correlate and potential biomarker of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Netw Neurosci 2021; 6:339-356. [PMID: 35733434 PMCID: PMC9208024 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) features extensive connectivity changes, but how structural and functional connectivity relate, and whether this relation could be a useful biomarker for cognitive impairment in MS is unclear.
This study included 79 MS patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs). Patients were classified as cognitively impaired (CI) or cognitively preserved (CP). Structural connectivity was determined using diffusion MRI and functional connectivity using resting-state magnetoencephalography (MEG) data (theta, alpha1 and alpha2 bands). Structure-function coupling was assessed by correlating modalities, and further explored in frequency bands that significantly correlated with whole-brain structural connectivity. Functional correlates of short- and long-range structural connections (based on tract length) were then specifically assessed. ROC analyses were performed on coupling values to identify biomarker potential.
Only the theta band showed significant correlations between whole-brain structural and functional connectivity (rho = −0.26, p = 0.023, only in MS). Long-range structure-function coupling was higher in CI patients compared to HCs (p = 0.005). Short-range coupling showed no group differences. Structure-function coupling was not a significant classifier of cognitive impairment for any tract length (short-range AUC = 0.498, p = 0.976, long-range AUC = 0.611, p = 0.095).
Long-range structure-function coupling was higher in CI-MS compared to HC, but more research is needed to further explore this measure as biomarkers in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna D. Kulik
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilse M. Nauta
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Prejaas Tewarie
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ismail Koubiyr
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Edwin van Dellen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aurelie Ruet
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Neurologie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kim A. Meijer
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Brigit A. de Jong
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J. Stam
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arjan Hillebrand
- Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG Center, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. G. Geurts
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda Douw
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Menno M. Schoonheim
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Bosticardo S, Schiavi S, Schaedelin S, Lu PJ, Barakovic M, Weigel M, Kappos L, Kuhle J, Daducci A, Granziera C. Microstructure-Weighted Connectomics in Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Connect 2021; 12:6-17. [PMID: 34210167 PMCID: PMC8867108 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2021.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Graph theory has been applied to study the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) since it provides global and focal measures of brain network properties that are affected by MS. Typically, the connection strength and, consequently, the network properties are computed by counting the number of streamlines (NOS) connecting couples of gray matter regions. However, recent studies have shown that this method is not quantitative. Methods: We evaluated diffusion-based microstructural measures extracted from three different models to assess the network properties in a group of 66 MS patients and 64 healthy subjects. Besides, we assessed their correlation with patients' disability and with a biological measure of neuroaxonal damage. Results: Graph metrics extracted from connectomes weighted by intra-axonal microstructural components were the most sensitive to MS pathology and the most related to clinical disability. In contrast, measures of network segregation extracted from the connectomes weighted by maps describing extracellular diffusivity were the most related to serum concentration of neurofilament light chain. Network properties assessed with NOS were neither sensitive to MS pathology nor correlated with clinical and pathological measures of disease impact in MS patients. Conclusion: Using tractometry-derived graph measures in MS patients, we identified a set of metrics based on microstructural components that are highly sensitive to the disease and that provide sensitive correlates of clinical and biological deterioration in MS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bosticardo
- Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simona Schiavi
- Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sabine Schaedelin
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Po-Jui Lu
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Muhamed Barakovic
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Weigel
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Radiological Physics, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Daducci
- Diffusion Imaging and Connectivity Estimation (DICE) Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Neurology Clinic and Policlinic, Departments of Medicine, Clinical Research and Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB) Basel, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Address correspondence to: Cristina Granziera, Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk), Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Gewerbestrasse 16, 4123 Allschwil, BL, Switzerland
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13
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Colato E, Stutters J, Tur C, Narayanan S, Arnold DL, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Barkhof F, Ciccarelli O, Chard DT, Eshaghi A. Predicting disability progression and cognitive worsening in multiple sclerosis using patterns of grey matter volumes. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:995-1006. [PMID: 33879535 PMCID: PMC8372398 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2020-325610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In multiple sclerosis (MS), MRI measures at the whole brain or regional level are only modestly associated with disability, while network-based measures are emerging as promising prognostic markers. We sought to demonstrate whether data-driven patterns of covarying regional grey matter (GM) volumes predict future disability in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). METHODS We used cross-sectional structural MRI, and baseline and longitudinal data of Expanded Disability Status Scale, Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), from a clinical trial in 988 people with SPMS. We processed T1-weighted scans to obtain GM probability maps and applied spatial independent component analysis (ICA). We repeated ICA on 400 healthy controls. We used survival models to determine whether baseline patterns of covarying GM volume measures predict cognitive and motor worsening. RESULTS We identified 15 patterns of regionally covarying GM features. Compared with whole brain GM, deep GM and lesion volumes, some ICA components correlated more closely with clinical outcomes. A mainly basal ganglia component had the highest correlations at baseline with the SDMT and was associated with cognitive worsening (HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.52, p<0.005). Two ICA components were associated with 9HPT worsening (HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.60, p<0.01 and HR=1.21, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.45, p<0.05). ICA measures could better predict SDMT and 9HPT worsening (C-index=0.69-0.71) compared with models including only whole and regional MRI measures (C-index=0.65-0.69, p value for all comparison <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The disability progression was better predicted by some of the covarying GM regions patterns, than by single regional or whole-brain measures. ICA, which may represent structural brain networks, can be applied to clinical trials and may play a role in stratifying participants who have the most potential to show a treatment effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Colato
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Stutters
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tur
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sridar Narayanan
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Brain & Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, NL
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Institute for Health Research (NIHR), University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), London, UK
| | - Arman Eshaghi
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Haider L, Prados F, Chung K, Goodkin O, Kanber B, Sudre C, Yiannakas M, Samson RS, Mangesius S, Thompson AJ, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Ciccarelli O, Chard DT, Barkhof F. Cortical involvement determines impairment 30 years after a clinically isolated syndrome. Brain 2021; 144:1384-1395. [PMID: 33880511 PMCID: PMC8219364 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies report an overlap of MRI and clinical findings between patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), which in part is reflective of inclusion of subjects with variable disease duration and short periods of follow-up. To overcome these limitations, we examined the differences between RRMS and SPMS and the relationship between MRI measures and clinical outcomes 30 years after first presentation with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Sixty-three patients were studied 30 years after their initial presentation with a clinically isolated syndrome; only 14% received a disease modifying treatment at any time point. Twenty-seven patients developed RRMS, 15 SPMS and 21 experienced no further neurological events; these groups were comparable in terms of age and disease duration. Clinical assessment included the Expanded Disability Status Scale, 9-Hole Peg Test and Timed 25-Foot Walk and the Brief International Cognitive Assessment For Multiple Sclerosis. All subjects underwent a comprehensive MRI protocol at 3 T measuring brain white and grey matter (lesions, volumes and magnetization transfer ratio) and cervical cord involvement. Linear regression models were used to estimate age- and gender-adjusted group differences between clinical phenotypes after 30 years, and stepwise selection to determine associations between a large sets of MRI predictor variables and physical and cognitive outcome measures. At the 30-year follow-up, the greatest differences in MRI measures between SPMS and RRMS were the number of cortical lesions, which were higher in SPMS (the presence of cortical lesions had 100% sensitivity and 88% specificity), and grey matter volume, which was lower in SPMS. Across all subjects, cortical lesions, grey matter volume and cervical cord volume explained 60% of the variance of the Expanded Disability Status Scale; cortical lesions alone explained 43%. Grey matter volume, cortical lesions and gender explained 43% of the variance of Timed 25-Foot Walk. Reduced cortical magnetization transfer ratios emerged as the only significant explanatory variable for the symbol digit modality test and explained 52% of its variance. Cortical involvement, both in terms of lesions and atrophy, appears to be the main correlate of progressive disease and disability in a cohort of individuals with very long follow-up and homogeneous disease duration, indicating that this should be the target of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Haider
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Ferran Prados
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.,Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karen Chung
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olivia Goodkin
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Baris Kanber
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carole Sudre
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Dementia Research Centre, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marios Yiannakas
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca S Samson
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Mangesius
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Neuroimaging Core Facility, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alan J Thompson
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain MRI 3T Research Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Chard DT, Alahmadi AAS, Audoin B, Charalambous T, Enzinger C, Hulst HE, Rocca MA, Rovira À, Sastre-Garriga J, Schoonheim MM, Tijms B, Tur C, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Wink AM, Ciccarelli O, Barkhof F. Mind the gap: from neurons to networks to outcomes in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:173-184. [PMID: 33437067 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-00439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MRI studies have provided valuable insights into the structure and function of neural networks, particularly in health and in classical neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer disease. However, such work is also highly relevant in other diseases of the CNS, including multiple sclerosis (MS). In this Review, we consider the effects of MS pathology on brain networks, as assessed using MRI, and how these changes to brain networks translate into clinical impairments. We also discuss how this knowledge can inform the targeting of MS treatments and the potential future directions for research in this area. Studying MS is challenging as its pathology involves neurodegenerative and focal inflammatory elements, both of which could disrupt neural networks. The disruption of white matter tracts in MS is reflected in changes in network efficiency, an increasingly random grey matter network topology, relative cortical disconnection, and both increases and decreases in connectivity centred around hubs such as the thalamus and the default mode network. The results of initial longitudinal studies suggest that these changes evolve rather than simply increase over time and are linked with clinical features. Studies have also identified a potential role for treatments that functionally modify neural networks as opposed to altering their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan T Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.
| | - Adnan A S Alahmadi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bertrand Audoin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, CRMBM, Marseille, France.,AP-HM, University Hospital Timone, Department of Neurology, Marseille, France
| | - Thalis Charalambous
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Enzinger
- Department of Neurology, Research Unit for Neuronal Repair and Plasticity, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hanneke E Hulst
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Servei de Neurologia/Neuroimmunologia, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Betty Tijms
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carmen Tur
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neurology, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, UK
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain MRI 3T Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alle Meije Wink
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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16
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Strik M, Chard DT, Dekker I, Meijer KA, Eijlers AJ, Pardini M, Uitdehaag BM, Kolbe SC, Geurts JJ, Schoonheim MM. Increased functional sensorimotor network efficiency relates to disability in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2020; 27:1364-1373. [PMID: 33104448 PMCID: PMC8358536 DOI: 10.1177/1352458520966292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network abnormalities could help explain physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), which remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study investigates functional network efficiency changes in the sensorimotor system. METHODS We included 222 MS patients, divided into low disability (LD, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ⩽3.5, n = 185) and high disability (HD, EDSS ⩾6, n = 37), and 82 healthy controls (HC). Functional connectivity was assessed between 23 sensorimotor regions. Measures of efficiency were computed and compared between groups using general linear models corrected for age and sex. Binary logistic regression models related disability status to local functional network efficiency (LE), brain volumes and demographics. Functional connectivity patterns of regions important for disability were explored. RESULTS HD patients demonstrated significantly higher LE of the left primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and right pallidum compared to LD and HC, and left premotor cortex compared to HC only. The logistic regression model for disability (R2 = 0.38) included age, deep grey matter volume and left S1 LE. S1 functional connectivity was increased with prefrontal and secondary sensory areas in HD patients, compared to LD and HC. CONCLUSION Clinical disability in MS associates with functional sensorimotor increases in efficiency and connectivity, centred around S1, independent of structural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Strik
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands/Department of Radiology and Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Declan T Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK/National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Iris Dekker
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands/Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim A Meijer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anand Jc Eijlers
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matteo Pardini
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK/Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bernard Mj Uitdehaag
- Department of Neurology, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Scott C Kolbe
- Department of Radiology and Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia/Department of Neurosciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeroen Jg Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Schiavi S, Petracca M, Battocchio M, El Mendili MM, Paduri S, Fleysher L, Inglese M, Daducci A. Sensory-motor network topology in multiple sclerosis: Structural connectivity analysis accounting for intrinsic density discrepancy. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:2951-2963. [PMID: 32412678 PMCID: PMC7336144 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Graph theory and network modelling have been previously applied to characterize motor network structural topology in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, between‐group differences disclosed by graph analysis might be primarily driven by discrepancy in density, which is likely to be reduced in pathologic conditions as a consequence of macroscopic damage and fibre loss that may result in less streamlines properly traced. In this work, we employed the convex optimization modelling for microstructure informed tractography (COMMIT) framework, which, given a tractogram, estimates the actual contribution (or weight) of each streamline in order to optimally explain the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging signal, filtering out those that are implausible or not necessary. Then, we analysed the topology of this ‘COMMIT‐weighted sensory‐motor network’ in MS accounting for network density. By comparing with standard connectivity analysis, we also tested if abnormalities in network topology are still identifiable when focusing on more ‘quantitative’ network properties. We found that topology differences identified with standard tractography in MS seem to be mainly driven by density, which, in turn, is strongly influenced by the presence of lesions. We were able to identify a significant difference in density but also in network global and local properties when accounting for density discrepancy. Therefore, we believe that COMMIT may help characterize the structural organization in pathological conditions, allowing a fair comparison of connectomes which considers discrepancies in network density. Moreover, discrepancy‐corrected network properties are clinically meaningful and may help guide prognosis assessment and treatment choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Schiavi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Mohamed M El Mendili
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Swetha Paduri
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lazar Fleysher
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent years have seen the approval of more than 15 disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS), mainly for its relapsing-remitting form (RRMS). The focus of the MS clinical trials is moving toward clinical trials aimed at progressive patients or based on putatively neuroprotective compounds. Here we reviewed the challenges of this paradigm shift. RECENT FINDINGS Progressive MS and neuroprotective drugs trials will both need a change in patients' enrollment criteria, outcome selection, and clinical trials design. Published ocrelizumab Primary Progressive MS data, as well as translational neuroimaging and clinical research suggest that MRI markers of inflammation could be used to enrich progressive MS trials population, albeit with the risk of overestimating the relevance of antiinflammatory therapeutic effects in this population and that conventional MRI-based metrics need to be complemented with volumetric and multiparametric approaches to disease severity quantification. Lastly, regarding statistical design, Bayesian approaches are at last making their way from oncology to neurology improving our ability to evaluate multiple treatments in the same trials' population. SUMMARY Adequate clinical trials design was one of the key factors in the RRMS treatment success story. Multidisciplinary collaborations are needed to adequately plan the progressive MS and restorative therapies trials that lay ahead in the near future.
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19
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Has Silemek AC, Fischer L, Pöttgen J, Penner IK, Engel AK, Heesen C, Gold SM, Stellmann JP. Functional and structural connectivity substrates of cognitive performance in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis with mild disability. Neuroimage Clin 2020; 25:102177. [PMID: 32014828 PMCID: PMC6997626 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to severe cognitive impairment over time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the best available biomarker to track MS pathophysiology in vivo and examine the link to clinical disability. However, conventional MRI metrics have limited sensitivity and specificity to detect direct associations between symptoms and their underlying CNS substrates. In this study, we aimed to investigate structural and resting state functional connectomes and subnetworks associated with neuropsychological (NP) performance using a graph theoretical approach. A comprehensive NP test battery was administered in a sample of patients with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and mild disability [n = 33, F/M = 20/13, age = 40.9 ± 9.7, median [Expanded Disability Status Scale] (EDSS) = 2, range =0-4] and compared to healthy controls (HC) [n = 29, F/M = 19/10, age = 41.0 ± 8.5] closely matched for age, sex, and level of education. The NP battery comprised the most relevant domains of cognitive dysfunction in MS including attention, processing speed, verbal and spatial learning and memory, and executive function. While standard MRI metrics showed good correlations with TAP Alertness test, disease duration and neurological exams, structural networks showed closer associations with 9-hole peg test and cognitive performances. Decreased graph strength was associated with two out of the 5 NP tests in the spatial learning and memory domain specified by BVMT [Sum 1-3] and BVMT [Recall], and with also SDMT which is one out of the 9 NP tests in the attention/processing speed domain, while no correlation was found between these scores and functional connectivity. Nodal strength was decreased in all subnetworks based on Yeo atlas in patients compared to HC; however, no difference was observed in nodal level of functional connectivity between the groups. The difference in structural and functional nodal connectivity between the groups was also observed in the relationship between structural and functional connectivity within the groups; the relationship between nodal degree and nodal strength was reversed in patients but positive in controls. On a nodal level, structural and functional networks (mainly the default mode network) were correlated with more than one cognitive domain rather than one specific network for each domain within patients. Interestingly, poorer cognitive performance was mostly correlated with increased functional connectivity but decreased structural connectivity in patients. Increased functional connectivity in the default mode network had both positive as well as negative associations with verbal and spatial learning and memory, possibly indicating adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms. In conclusion, our results suggest that cognitive performance, even in patients with RRMS and very mild disability, may reflect a loss of structural connectivity. In contrast, widespread increases in functional connectivity may be the result of maladaptive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Ceylan Has Silemek
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany.
| | - Lukas Fischer
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Jana Pöttgen
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany; Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Iris-Katharina Penner
- Klinik für Neurologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany; COGITO Zentrum für Angewandte Neurokognition und Neuropsychologische Forschung, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Andreas K Engel
- Institut für Neurophysiologie und Pathophysiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Christoph Heesen
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany; Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Stefan M Gold
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Klinik für Psychiatrie & Psychotherapie und Medizinische Klinik m.S. Psychosomatik, Campus Benjamin Franklin (CBF), Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin 12203, Germany
| | - Jan-Patrick Stellmann
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose (INIMS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany; Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistr. 52, Hamburg 20246, Germany; APHM, Hopital de la Timone, CEMEREM, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, CRMBM, UMR 7339, Marseille, France
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20
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Meijer KA, Steenwijk MD, Douw L, Schoonheim MM, Geurts JJG. Long-range connections are more severely damaged and relevant for cognition in multiple sclerosis. Brain 2020; 143:150-160. [PMID: 31730165 PMCID: PMC6938033 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient network such as the human brain features a combination of global integration of information, driven by long-range connections, and local processing involving short-range connections. Whether these connections are equally damaged in multiple sclerosis is unknown, as is their relevance for cognitive impairment and brain function. Therefore, we cross-sectionally investigated the association between damage to short- and long-range connections with structural network efficiency, the functional connectome and cognition. From the Amsterdam multiple sclerosis cohort, 133 patients (age = 54.2 ± 9.6) with long-standing multiple sclerosis and 48 healthy controls (age = 50.8 ± 7.0) with neuropsychological testing and MRI were included. Structural connectivity was estimated from diffusion tensor images using probabilistic tractography (MRtrix 3.0) between pairs of brain regions. Structural connections were divided into short- (length < quartile 1) and long-range (length > quartile 3) connections, based on the mean distribution of tract lengths in healthy controls. To determine the severity of damage within these connections, (i) fractional anisotropy as a measure for integrity; (ii) total number of fibres; and (iii) percentage of tract affected by lesions were computed for each connecting tract and averaged for short- and long-range connections separately. To investigate the impact of damage in these connections for structural network efficiency, global efficiency was computed. Additionally, resting-state functional connectivity was computed between each pair of brain regions, after artefact removal with FMRIB's ICA-based X-noiseifier. The functional connectivity similarity index was computed by correlating individual functional connectivity matrices with an average healthy control connectivity matrix. Our results showed that the structural network had a reduced efficiency and integrity in multiple sclerosis relative to healthy controls (both P < 0.05). The long-range connections showed the largest reduction in fractional anisotropy (z = -1.03, P < 0.001) and total number of fibres (z = -0.44, P < 0.01), whereas in the short-range connections only fractional anisotropy was affected (z = -0.34, P = 0.03). Long-range connections also demonstrated a higher percentage of tract affected by lesions than short-range connections, independent of tract length (P < 0.001). Damage to long-range connections was more strongly related to structural network efficiency and cognition (fractional anisotropy: r = 0.329 and r = 0.447. number of fibres r = 0.321 and r = 0.278. and percentage of lesions: r = -0.219; r = -0.426, respectively) than damage to short-range connections. Only damage to long-distance connections correlated with a more abnormal functional network (fractional anisotropy: r = 0.226). Our findings indicate that long-range connections are more severely affected by multiple sclerosis-specific damage than short-range connections. Moreover compared to short-range connections, damage to long-range connections better explains network efficiency and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Meijer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn D Steenwijk
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Douw
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Menno M Schoonheim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J G Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Song X, Li D, Qiu Z, Su S, Wu Y, Wang J, Liu Z, Dong H. Correlation between EDSS scores and cervical spinal cord atrophy at 3T MRI in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 37:101426. [PMID: 32172997 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical spinal cord atrophy (CSCA), which partly reflects the axonal loss in the spinal cord, is increasingly recognized as a valuable predictor of disease outcome. However, inconsistent results have been reported regarding the correlation of CSCA and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the available data obtained from 3.0-Tesla (3T) MRI scanners and to explore the relationship between CSCA and scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for articles published from the database inception to February 1, 2019. The quality of the articles was assessed according to a quality evaluation checklist which was created based on the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. We conducted a meta-analysis of the correlation between EDSS scores and CSCA at 3T MRI in MS. RESULTS Twenty-two eligible studies involving 1933 participants were incorporated into our meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that CSCA was negatively and moderately correlated with EDSS scores (rs = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.51 to -0.32; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed a weaker correlation in the group of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (rs = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.31 to -0.07; p = 0.0029). CONCLUSIONS The correlation between CSCA and EDSS scores was significant but moderate. We encourage more studies using reliable and consistent methods to explore whether CSCA is suitable as a predictor for MS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Song
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Dawei Li
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Zhandong Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Shengyao Su
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Jingsi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China.
| | - Huiqing Dong
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China.
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22
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Cercignani M, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott C. From micro- to macro-structures in multiple sclerosis: what is the added value of diffusion imaging. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2019; 32:e3888. [PMID: 29350435 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Diffusion imaging has been instrumental in understanding damage to the central nervous system as a result of its sensitivity to microstructural changes. Clinical applications of diffusion imaging have grown exponentially over the past couple of decades in many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). For several reasons, MS has been extensively researched using advanced neuroimaging techniques, which makes it an 'example disease' to illustrate the potential of diffusion imaging for clinical applications. In addition, MS pathology is characterized by several key processes competing with each other, such as inflammation, demyelination, remyelination, gliosis and axonal loss, enabling the specificity of diffusion to be challenged. In this review, we describe how diffusion imaging can be exploited to investigate micro-, meso- and macro-scale properties of the brain structure and discuss how they are affected by different pathological substrates. Conclusions from the literature are that larger studies are needed to confirm the exciting results from initial investigations before current trends in diffusion imaging can be translated to the neurology clinic. Also, for a comprehensive understanding of pathological processes, it is essential to take a multiple-level approach, in which information at the micro-, meso- and macroscopic scales is fully integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Cercignani
- Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Brain MRI 3T Mondino Research Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
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23
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Savini G, Pardini M, Castellazzi G, Lascialfari A, Chard D, D'Angelo E, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM. Default Mode Network Structural Integrity and Cerebellar Connectivity Predict Information Processing Speed Deficit in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:21. [PMID: 30853896 PMCID: PMC6396736 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment affects about 50% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, but the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. The default mode network (DMN) has been linked with cognition, but in MS its role is still poorly understood. Moreover, within an extended DMN network including the cerebellum (CBL-DMN), the contribution of cortico-cerebellar connectivity to MS cognitive performance remains unexplored. The present study investigated associations of DMN and CBL-DMN structural connectivity with cognitive processing speed in MS, in both cognitively impaired (CIMS) and cognitively preserved (CPMS) MS patients. 68 MS patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) completed a symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) and had 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that included a diffusion weighted imaging protocol. DMN and CBL-DMN tracts were reconstructed with probabilistic tractography. These networks (DMN and CBL-DMN) and the cortico-cerebellar tracts alone were modeled using a graph theoretical approach with fractional anisotropy (FA) as the weighting factor. Brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) was also calculated. In CIMS SDMT scores strongly correlated with the FA-weighted global efficiency (GE) of the network [GE(CBL-DMN): ρ = 0.87, R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001; GE(DMN): ρ = 0.82, R2 = 0.67, p < 0.001; GE(CBL): ρ = 0.80, R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001]. In CPMS the correlation between these measures was significantly lower [GE(CBL-DMN): ρ = 0.51, R2 = 0.26, p < 0.001; GE(DMN): ρ = 0.48, R2 = 0.23, p = 0.001; GE(CBL): ρ = 0.52, R2 = 0.27, p < 0.001] and SDMT scores correlated most with BPF (ρ = 0.57, R2 = 0.33, p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression model where SDMT was the independent variable, FA-weighted GE was the only significant explanatory variable in CIMS, while in CPMS BPF and expanded disability status scale were significant. No significant correlation was found in HC between SDMT scores, MRI or network measures. DMN structural GE is related to cognitive performance in MS, and results of CBL-DMN suggest that the cerebellum structural connectivity to the DMN plays an important role in information processing speed decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico S. Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gloria Castellazzi
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Declan Chard
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals, Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Egidio D'Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain MRI 3T Mondino Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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24
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Charalambous T, Tur C, Prados F, Kanber B, Chard DT, Ourselin S, Clayden JD, A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott C, Thompson AJ, Toosy AT. Structural network disruption markers explain disability in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:219-226. [PMID: 30467210 PMCID: PMC6518973 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-318440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether structural brain network metrics correlate better with clinical impairment and information processing speed in multiple sclerosis (MS) beyond atrophy measures and white matter lesions. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 51 healthy controls and 122 patients comprising 58 relapsing-remitting, 28 primary progressive and 36 secondary progressive. Structural brain networks were reconstructed from diffusion-weighted MRIs and standard metrics reflecting network density, efficiency and clustering coefficient were derived and compared between subjects' groups. Stepwise linear regression analyses were used to investigate the contribution of network measures that explain clinical disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)) and information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)) compared with conventional MRI metrics alone and to determine the best statistical model that explains better EDSS and SDMT. RESULTS Compared with controls, network efficiency and clustering coefficient were reduced in MS while these measures were also reduced in secondary progressive relative to relapsing-remitting patients. Structural network metrics increase the variance explained by the statistical models for clinical and information processing dysfunction. The best model for EDSS showed that reduced network density and global efficiency and increased age were associated with increased clinical disability. The best model for SDMT showed that lower deep grey matter volume, reduced efficiency and male gender were associated with worse information processing speed. CONCLUSIONS Structural topological changes exist between subjects' groups. Network density and global efficiency explained disability above non-network measures, highlighting that network metrics can provide clinically relevant information about MS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalis Charalambous
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tur
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
| | - Ferran Prados
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
- Translational Imaging Group, Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Baris Kanber
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
- Translational Imaging Group, Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Ourselin
- Translational Imaging Group, Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Clayden
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
- Brain MRI 3T Research Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alan J Thompson
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
| | - Ahmed T Toosy
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square MS Centre, London, UK
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25
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Morbelli S, Bauckneht M, Capitanio S, Pardini M, Roccatagliata L, Nobili F. A new frontier for amyloid PET imaging: multiple sclerosis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 46:276-279. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-018-4232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
The design of clinical trials is a key aspect to maximizing the possibility to detect a treatment effect. This fact is particularly challenging in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) studies due to the uncertainty about the right target and/or outcome in phase-2 studies. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current challenges facing the design of clinical trials for PMS. The selection of patients, the instrumental and clinical outcomes that can be used in PMS trials, and issues in their design will be covered in this report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/Policlinic Hospital San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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27
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Tae WS, Ham BJ, Pyun SB, Kang SH, Kim BJ. Current Clinical Applications of Diffusion-Tensor Imaging in Neurological Disorders. J Clin Neurol 2018; 14:129-140. [PMID: 29504292 PMCID: PMC5897194 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2018.14.2.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive medical imaging tool used to investigate the structure of white matter. The signal contrast in DTI is generated by differences in the Brownian motion of the water molecules in brain tissue. Postprocessed DTI scalars can be used to evaluate changes in the brain tissue caused by disease, disease progression, and treatment responses, which has led to an enormous amount of interest in DTI in clinical research. This review article provides insights into DTI scalars and the biological background of DTI as a relatively new neuroimaging modality. Further, it summarizes the clinical role of DTI in various disease processes such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, stroke with motor or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and depression. Valuable DTI postprocessing tools for clinical research are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Suk Tae
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Joo Ham
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Bom Pyun
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Hyuk Kang
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Jo Kim
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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28
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Shu N, Duan Y, Huang J, Ren Z, Liu Z, Dong H, Barkhof F, Li K, Liu Y. Progressive brain rich-club network disruption from clinically isolated syndrome towards multiple sclerosis. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 19:232-239. [PMID: 30035017 PMCID: PMC6051763 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the rich-club organization in clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and multiple sclerosis (MS), and to characterize its relationships with physical disabilities and cognitive impairments. Methods We constructed high-resolution white matter (WM) structural networks in 41 CIS, 32 MS and 35 healthy controls (HCs) using diffusion MRI and deterministic tractography. Group differences in rich-club organization, global and local network metrics were investigated. The relationship between the altered network metrics, brain lesions and clinical variables including EDSS, MMSE, PASAT, disease duration were calculated. Additionally, reproducibility analysis was performed using different parcellation schemes. Results Compared with HCs, MS patients exhibited a decreased strength in all types of connections (rich-club: p < 0.0001; feeder: p = 0.0004; and local: p = 0.0026). CIS patients showed intermediate values between MS patients and HCs and exhibited a decreased strength in feeder and local connections (feeder: p = 0.019; and local: p = 0.031) but not in rich-club connections. Compared with CIS patients, MS patients showed significant reductions in rich-club connections (p = 0.0004). The reduced strength of rich-club and feeder connections was correlated with cognitive impairments in the MS group. These results were independent of lesion distribution and reproducible across different brain parcellation schemes. Conclusion The rich-club organization was disrupted in MS patients and relatively preserved in CIS. The disrupted rich-club connectivity was correlated with cognitive impairment in MS. These findings suggest that impaired rich-club connectivity is an essential feature of progressive structural network disruption, heralding the development of clinical disability in MS. The rich-club organization was disrupted in MS patients and preserved in CIS. The disrupted rich-club connectivity correlated with cognitive impairment in MS. The rich-club results are reproducible across data analysis methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Center for Collaboration and Innovation in Brain and Learning Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yunyun Duan
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tiantan Image Research Center, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoqiong Ren
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiqing Dong
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, England
| | - Kuncheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yaou Liu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Tiantan Image Research Center, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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29
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Abstract
Understanding the clinico-radiological paradox is important in the search for more sensitive and specific surrogates of relapses and disability progression (such that they can be used to inform treatment choices in individual people with multiple sclerosis) and to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiological basis of disability in multiple sclerosis (to identify and assess key therapeutic targets). In this brief review, we will consider themes and issues underlying the clinico-radiological paradox and recent advances in its resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan Chard
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - S Anand Trip
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) University College London Hospitals (UCLH), Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK.,NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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30
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Sormani MP, Pardini M. Assessing Repair in Multiple Sclerosis: Outcomes for Phase II Clinical Trials. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:924-933. [PMID: 28695472 PMCID: PMC5722763 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0558-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathology is complex and includes inflammatory processes, neurodegeneration, and demyelination. While multiple drugs have been developed to tackle MS-related inflammation, to date there is scant evidence regarding which therapeutic approach, if any, could be used to reverse demyelination, foster tissue repair, and thus positively impact on chronic disability. Here, we reviewed the current structural and functional markers (magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, optical coherence tomography, and visual evoked potentials) which could be used in phase II clinical trials of new compounds aimed to foster tissue repair in MS. Magnetic transfer ratio recovery in newly formed lesions currently represents the most widely used biomarker of tissue repair in MS, even if other markers, such as optical coherence tomography and positron emission tomography hold great promise to complement magnetic transfer ratio in tissue repair clinical trials. Future studies are needed to better characterize the different possible biomarkers to study tissue repair in MS, especially regarding their pathological specificity, sensitivity to change, and their relationship with disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Sormani
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Policlinic San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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31
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Mancini M, Giulietti G, Dowell N, Spanò B, Harrison N, Bozzali M, Cercignani M. Introducing axonal myelination in connectomics: A preliminary analysis of g-ratio distribution in healthy subjects. Neuroimage 2017; 182:351-359. [PMID: 28917698 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microstructural imaging and connectomics are two research areas that hold great potential for investigating brain structure and function. Combining these two approaches can lead to a better and more complete characterization of the brain as a network. The aim of this work is characterizing the connectome from a novel perspective using the myelination measure given by the g-ratio. The g-ratio is the ratio of the inner to the outer diameters of a myelinated axon, whose aggregated value can now be estimated in vivo using MRI. In two different datasets of healthy subjects, we reconstructed the structural connectome and then used the g-ratio estimated from diffusion and magnetization transfer data to characterize the network structure. Significant characteristics of g-ratio weighted graphs emerged. First, the g-ratio distribution across the edges of the graph did not show the power-law distribution observed using the number of streamlines as a weight. Second, connections involving regions related to motor and sensory functions were the highest in myelin content. We also observed significant differences in terms of the hub structure and the rich-club organization suggesting that connections involving hub regions present higher myelination than peripheral connections. Taken together, these findings offer a characterization of g-ratio distribution across the connectome in healthy subjects and lay the foundations for further investigating plasticity and pathology using a similar approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mancini
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | | | - Nicholas Dowell
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Barbara Spanò
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Neil Harrison
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Marco Bozzali
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Mara Cercignani
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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32
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Rocca MA, Comi G, Filippi M. The Role of T1-Weighted Derived Measures of Neurodegeneration for Assessing Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2017; 8:433. [PMID: 28928705 PMCID: PMC5591328 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by the accumulation of permanent neurological disability secondary to irreversible tissue loss (neurodegeneration) in the brain and spinal cord. MRI measures derived from T1-weighted image analysis (i.e., black holes and atrophy) are correlated with pathological measures of irreversible tissue loss. Quantifying the degree of neurodegeneration in vivo using MRI may offer a surrogate marker with which to predict disability progression and the effect of treatment. This review evaluates the literature examining the association between MRI measures of neurodegeneration derived from T1-weighted images and disability in MS patients. Methods A systematic PubMed search was conducted in January 2017 to identify MRI studies in MS patients investigating the relationship between “black holes” and/or atrophy in the brain and spinal cord, and disability. Results were limited to human studies published in English in the previous 10 years. Results A large number of studies have evaluated the association between the previous MRI measures and disability. These vary considerably in terms of study design, duration of follow-up, size, and phenotype of the patient population. Most, although not all, have shown that there is a significant correlation between disability and black holes in the brain, as well as atrophy of the whole brain and grey matter. The results for brain white matter atrophy are less consistently positive, whereas studies evaluating spinal cord atrophy consistently showed a significant correlation with disability. Newer ways of measuring atrophy, thanks to the development of segmentation and voxel-wise methods, have allowed us to assess the involvement of strategic regions of the CNS (e.g., thalamus) and to map the regional distribution of damage. This has resulted in better correlations between MRI measures and disability and in the identification of the critical role played by some CNS structures for MS clinical manifestations. Conclusion The evaluation of MRI measures of atrophy as predictive markers of disability in MS is a highly active area of research. At present, measurement of atrophy remains within the realm of clinical studies, but its utility in clinical practice has been recognized and barriers to its implementation are starting to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Maddess
- Eccles Institute for Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christian J Lueck
- Department of Neurology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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34
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Poretto V, Petracca M, Saiote C, Mormina E, Howard J, Miller A, Lublin FD, Inglese M. A composite measure to explore visual disability in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2017; 3:2055217317709620. [PMID: 28607759 PMCID: PMC5439656 DOI: 10.1177/2055217317709620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide complementary information on visual system damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives The objective of this paper is to determine whether a composite OCT/MRI score, reflecting cumulative damage along the entire visual pathway, can predict visual deficits in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Methods Twenty-five PPMS patients and 20 age-matched controls underwent neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation, spectral-domain OCT, and 3T brain MRI. Differences between groups were assessed by univariate general linear model and principal component analysis (PCA) grouped instrumental variables into main components. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA), OCT/MRI-derived metrics and PCA-derived composite scores. Results PCA identified four main components explaining 80.69% of data variance. Considering each variable independently, LCVA 1.25% was significantly predicted by ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, thalamic volume and optic radiation (OR) lesion volume (adjusted R2 0.328, p = 0.00004; adjusted R2 0.187, p = 0.002 and adjusted R2 0.180, p = 0.002). The PCA composite score of global visual pathway damage independently predicted both LCVA 1.25% (adjusted R2 value 0.361, p = 0.00001) and LCVA 2.50% (adjusted R2 value 0.323, p = 0.00003). Conclusion A multiparametric score represents a more comprehensive and effective tool to explain visual disability than a single instrumental metric in PPMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Poretto
- Department of Neurosciences DNS, The Multiple Sclerosis Centre - Veneto Region (CeSMuV), University Hospital of Padua, Padua Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Catarina Saiote
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Howard
- Department of Neurology, Langone Medical Center, New York University, USA
| | - Aaron Miller
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Fred D Lublin
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA
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35
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Bommarito G, Bellini A, Pardini M, Solaro C, Roccatagliata L, Laroni A, Capello E, Mancardi GL, Uccelli A, Inglese M. Composite MRI measures and short-term disability in patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of MS. Mult Scler 2017; 24:623-631. [PMID: 28394195 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517704077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of composite magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures has been suggested to better explain disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, little is known about the utility of composite scores at the earliest stages of the disease. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether, in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a composite MRI measure, rather than the single metrics, would explain conversion to MS and would better correlate with disability at baseline and at 1 year of follow-up. METHODS Corticospinal tract (CST), corpus callosum (CC) and optic radiation (OR) volume, fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD) values were measured in 27 CIS patients and 24 healthy controls (HCs). Z-scores of FA, MD, and tract volume measures were calculated in patients, based on the corresponding measures obtained from HCs, and then combined in a composite score for each tract. Correlations between Z-scores at baseline and both the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at baseline and at follow-up (FU-EDSS) were investigated. RESULTS Only CST, CC, and OR composite scores as well as the CST volume were significantly associated with FU-EDSS ( p = 0.005, p = 0.007, p = 0.020, and p = 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION The combination of MRI measures rather than the individual metrics better captured the association between tissue damage in both the CC, OR and CST and short-term follow-up disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bommarito
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bellini
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy/UOC Fisica Medica e Sanitaria, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Pardini
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Solaro
- Neurology Unit, Department of Head and Neck, PA Micone Hospital, ASL3 Genovese, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Roccatagliata
- Department of Health Science (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alice Laroni
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Capello
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luigi Mancardi
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Uccelli
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy/IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy/Departments of Neurology, Radiology and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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36
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Mancini M, Giulietti G, Spano B, Bozzali M, Cercignani M, Conforto S. Estimating multimodal brain connectivity in multiple sclerosis: an exploratory factor analysis. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2016:1131-1134. [PMID: 28268525 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7590903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Graph-theoretical approaches have become a popular way to model brain data collected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both from the structural and the functional perspectives. In structural networks, tract-based mapping allows to model different aspects of brain structures by means of the specific characteristics of the different MRI modalities. However, there has been little effort to join the information carried by each modality and to understand what level of common variance is shown in these data. In this paper, we proposed a combined approach based on graph theory and factor analysis to model magnetization transfer and microstructural properties in 18 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 17 healthy controls. After defining the common factors and outlining their relationships with MRI data, we evaluated between-group differences using global and local graph measures. The results showed that one common factor describes brain structures in terms of myelin and global integrity, and such factor is able to highlight specific between-group differences.
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37
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Vågberg M, Granåsen G, Svenningsson A. Brain Parenchymal Fraction in Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of the Literature. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170018. [PMID: 28095463 PMCID: PMC5240949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain atrophy is an important feature of many neurodegenerative disorders. It can be described in terms of change in the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). In order to interpret the BPF in disease, knowledge on the BPF in healthy individuals is required. The aim of this study was to establish a normal range of values for the BPF of healthy individuals via a systematic review of the literature. The databases PubMed and Scopus were searched and 95 articles, including a total of 9269 individuals, were identified including the required data. We present values of BPF from healthy individuals stratified by age and post-processing method. The mean BPF correlated with mean age and there were significant differences in age-adjusted mean BPF between methods. This study contributes to increased knowledge about BPF in healthy individuals, which may assist in the interpretation of BPF in the setting of disease. We highlight the differences between post-processing methods and the need for a consensus gold standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Vågberg
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Granåsen
- Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Svenningsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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38
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Brown JWL, Chard DT. The role of MRI in the evaluation of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:157-71. [PMID: 26692498 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.2016.1134323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging already has an established role in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, but it also has the potential to provide prognostic information, and to monitor [corrected] disease progression in clinical trials and practice. Magnetic resonance imaging measures are increasingly being used as the primary outcome in early phase clinical trials of immunomodulatory therapies (for example brain white matter lesion counts or volumes, and gadolinium contrast enhancing lesions) and putatively neuroprotective agents (for example measures of whole brain atrophy), and trials of agents that promote remyelination are also likely to follow suit. In this review we consider the use of magnetic resonance imaging measures as predictors and markers of disease progression in multiple sclerosis, and explore possible future directions in this rapidly developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- J William L Brown
- a Department of Clinical Neurosciences , University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK.,b NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology , University College London (UCL) , London , UK
| | - Declan T Chard
- b NMR Research Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology , University College London (UCL) , London , UK.,c Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) , University College London Hospitals (UCLH) , London , UK
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39
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Sormani
- From the Department of Health Sciences (M.P.S.), University of Genova, Italy; and the Division of Clinical Neurosciences (N.E.), University of Nottingham, UK.
| | - Nikos Evangelou
- From the Department of Health Sciences (M.P.S.), University of Genova, Italy; and the Division of Clinical Neurosciences (N.E.), University of Nottingham, UK
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