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Posterior fossa lesion volume and slowed information processing in multiple sclerosis
Catherine J Archibald1, Xingchang Wei, James N Scott
1Seaman Family MR Research Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Canada T2N 2T9. cate.archibald@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Brain lesions in the posterior fossa are linked to slower memory processing speed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This suggests specific lesion locations significantly impact cognitive function in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Cognitive impairment, particularly in information processing speed, is common in MS.
- The correlation between specific lesion locations and cognitive deficits requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between MRI-derived lesion volumes and information processing efficiency in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
- To explore potential 'threshold effects' of lesion volume in specific brain regions on cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty patients with RRMS and SPMS were assessed.
- Information processing efficiency was measured using the Sternberg Memory Scanning Test (processing speed) and Salthouse Keeping Track Test (processing capacity).
- MRI-derived global and regional T1 and T2 lesion volumes were quantified.
Main Results:
- Processing speed, measured by the Sternberg Memory Scanning Test, significantly correlated with posterior fossa lesion volume.
- A 'threshold effect' was observed, with slowed reaction time in most patients with posterior fossa lesions, particularly those with SPMS.
- Processing capacity, measured by the Salthouse Keeping Track Test, did not show significant correlation with MRI measures.
- Cognitive performance did not correlate with Expanded Disability Status Scale score, depression, or fatigue.
- Patients performed within normal limits on tests of attention/concentration ability.
Conclusions:
- Posterior fossa lesion volume is significantly associated with slowed memory scanning speed in MS patients.
- Pathological damage in the posterior fossa may be a key contributor to cognitive processing slowing in MS.
- Further research into posterior fossa lesions and cognitive function in MS is warranted.
- The lack of correlation with other MRI measures may be due to sample characteristics or MRI measure limitations.