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Gray matter T2 hypointensity is related to plaques and atrophy in the brains of multiple sclerosis patients

R Bakshi1, J Dmochowski, Z A Shaikh

  • 1Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA. rbakshi@buffalo.edu

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|March 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Gray matter hypointensities on T2-weighted MRI in multiple sclerosis (MS) brains are linked to brain atrophy and tissue damage. These findings suggest T2 hypointensity may indicate degeneration and iron deposition in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Gray matter hypointensities on T2-weighted MRI (T2WI) are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and linked to disease progression and disability.
  • These abnormalities have been observed in various brain regions, including the thalamus, basal ganglia, and cortex.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between T2 hypointensity in gray matter and the severity of white matter lesions and brain atrophy in MS patients.
  • To explore the relationship between T2 hypointensity and other magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of MS pathology.

Main Methods:

  • 114 MS patients underwent 1.5-T MRI with fast spin-echo axial T2WI.
  • Ordinal ratings were used to assess T2 hypointensity in specific gray matter regions (thalamus, putamen, caudate, sensorimotor cortex) compared to controls.
  • White matter lesion load (T2 hyperintense, T1 hypointense) and brain atrophy (enlargement of subarachnoid and ventricular spaces) were also ordinally rated.

Main Results:

  • T2 hypointensity showed a strong positive correlation with various MRI variables.
  • Regression analysis revealed associations between T2 hypointensity and total atrophy, total T2 lesion load, third ventricular enlargement, parietal atrophy, and some T1 and T2 lesions in specific regions.
  • No significant relationship was found between T2 hypointensity and gadolinium enhancement.

Conclusions:

  • Gray matter hypointensity on T2WI in MS may indicate pathological iron deposition and neurodegeneration.
  • T2 hypointensity is associated with brain atrophy and other MRI indicators of tissue damage in MS.
  • Further research is needed to determine if T2 hypointensity can predict MS disease course or serve as a surrogate outcome in clinical trials.

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