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Frontal parenchymal atrophy measures in multiple sclerosis.
Laura Locatelli1, Robert Zivadinov, Attilio Grop
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Neurology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 9, 2004
Summary
Normalized brain atrophy measures, like regional brain parenchymal fraction (RBPF), better correlate with cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients than absolute measures. This study highlights RBPF as a reproducible method for assessing frontal atrophy in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Brain atrophy is a key indicator of disease progression and disability in MS.
- The utility of normalized versus absolute measures of brain atrophy in correlating with cognitive function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the correlation strength between normalized and absolute brain atrophy measures with cognitive function tests in relapsing-remitting MS patients.
- To assess the reproducibility of regional brain parenchymal fraction (RBPF) of frontal lobes.
- To determine if normalized brain atrophy measures are superior to absolute measures for correlating with neuropsychological performance and disability in MS.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 39 relapsing-remitting MS patients.
- Measurement of T1- and T2-lesion load (LL) and brain volumes (absolute and normalized) using semiautomated and automated segmentation.
- Assessment of neuropsychological performance and disability using standardized tests and scales.
Main Results:
- Regional brain parenchymal fraction (RBPF) of frontal lobes demonstrated stronger correlations with cognitive tests, disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale), and lesion load (T1-LL, T2-LL) compared to absolute regional brain parenchymal volume (RBPV).
- Normalized whole brain atrophy (BPF) also showed significant correlations with cognitive function tests, unlike absolute brain parenchymal volume (BPAV).
- Multiple regression analysis confirmed that only normalized brain atrophy measures were associated with cognitive function tests.
Conclusions:
- Normalized brain atrophy measures, particularly RBPF, are more sensitive and reproducible for assessing frontal atrophy in MS patients.
- Normalized measures of whole and regional brain atrophy should be preferred over absolute measures in future MS research correlating brain structure with cognitive and functional outcomes.