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Published on: April 14, 2014
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction correlates with brain MRI lesion load in MS
1Department of Neurology, Oulu University Hospital, P.O. Box 25, 90029 OYS, Oulu, Finland. anne.saari@ppshp.fi
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients exhibit impaired cardiovascular autonomic control, with reduced heart rate and blood pressure responses. Midbrain lesions in MS correlate significantly with this cardiovascular dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is a recognized but not fully understood complication of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiovascular autonomic control in patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To correlate cardiovascular autonomic function with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion load in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- A standardized battery of cardiovascular tests was administered to 51 MS patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Brain MRI was performed on all MS patients to assess lesion volume and location.
Main Results:
- MS patients showed significantly decreased heart rate (HR) responses during deep breathing and tilt table testing compared to controls.
- Blood pressure (BP) responses during tilt table testing were also impaired in MS patients.
- A significant association was found between the volume of midbrain MRI lesions and impaired BP responses.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis leads to reduced HR variation and diminished BP reactions, indicating disturbed cardiovascular regulation.
- Midbrain lesions in MS are specifically linked to cardiovascular dysfunction, highlighting a potential target for understanding and managing autonomic complications.
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