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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Magnetic resonance imaging predictors of disability in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a 5-year study
V L Stevenson1, G T Ingle, D H Miller
1Department of Clinical Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. val.stevenson@uclh.org
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an accepted tool for monitoring therapeutic trials in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS); it is however unclear whether such MRI markers are equally applicable to primary progressive MS (PPMS). Forty-two patients with PPMS were reviewed five years after commencing a two-year MRI and clinical study. Clinical measures recorded at baseline and five years included both the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the MS functional composite. MRI data collected at baseline and two years included T1 and T2 lesion loads, the number of new brain and cord lesions, and measures of both brain and cord atrophy. The study demonstrated that both the number of new T2 lesions and rate of increase in ventricular volume over two years were modestly predictive of subsequent disease progression and therefore may be useful tools in the testing of new therapeutic agents in PPMS.
Insights
New MRI markers, including T2 lesions and ventricular volume changes, show promise for predicting disease progression in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). These findings may aid in testing new therapies for PPMS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is established for monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) trials.
- Its utility in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) requires further validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the applicability of MRI markers for monitoring therapeutic trials in PPMS.
- To determine if MRI parameters can predict disease progression in PPMS patients.
Main Methods:
- A two-year MRI and clinical study involving 42 PPMS patients.
- Assessment of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and MS Functional Composite.
- Collection of MRI data including T1/T2 lesion loads, new lesions, and brain/cord atrophy.
Main Results:
- New T2 lesions and increased ventricular volume over two years modestly predicted disease progression.
- MRI markers showed potential utility in assessing treatment efficacy in PPMS.
Conclusions:
- MRI markers, specifically new T2 lesions and ventricular enlargement rate, are potentially useful for PPMS clinical trials.
- These findings support the use of MRI in developing new therapeutic agents for PPMS.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:24Magnetic Resonance Imaging