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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
15:26
3D Modeling of the Lateral Ventricles and Histological Characterization of Periventricular Tissue in Humans and Mouse
Published on: May 19, 2015
A longitudinal study of ventricular volume in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
T L Luks1, D E Goodkin, S J Nelson
1Department of Radiology, University of California at San Francisco, AC-109, 1 Irving St, San Francisco, California, CA 94143, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|November 7, 2000
Summary
Brain atrophy, a marker of multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, can be detected within 18 months of diagnosis. Early detection of brain atrophy in relapsing-remitting MS is linked to disability and new lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by unpredictable neurological relapses.
- Brain atrophy is a key indicator of neurodegeneration and disability progression in MS.
- The early detection of brain atrophy in RRMS is crucial for understanding disease trajectory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detectability of progressive brain atrophy within 18 months of RRMS diagnosis.
- To correlate early brain atrophy with clinical disability and MRI-detected lesions.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative MRI was used to measure lateral ventricular volume monthly in 15 RRMS patients.
- Semi-automated thresholding techniques were applied to T1-weighted axial images.
- Gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were recorded monthly.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in lateral ventricular volumes were observed over the study period.
- Statistically significant brain atrophy was detected in 6 out of 15 patients.
- Monthly ventricular volume changes correlated with baseline EDSS and the number of new Gd+ lesions.
Conclusions:
- Progressive brain atrophy can be detected as early as 18 months after the initial symptoms of RRMS.
- Early brain atrophy in RRMS is associated with baseline disability and inflammatory activity (Gd+ lesions).
- Quantitative MRI offers a valuable tool for monitoring early neurodegenerative changes in MS.
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