Related Experiment Videos
Grey and white matter volume changes in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Jaume Sastre-Garriga1, Gordon T Ingle, Declan T Chard
1Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|April 9, 2005
Summary
Brain atrophy in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) can be detected early. Enhancing lesions predict overall brain and white matter atrophy, while disability scores predict global brain volume loss in PPMS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Brain atrophy, affecting grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM), is present in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
- Predictors for GM and WM atrophy in early PPMS remain unidentified, hindering a deeper understanding of the disease's pathological substrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate short-term (1-year) changes in GM and WM volumes in early PPMS.
- To assess the predictive value of demographic, clinical, and radiological variables for GM and WM atrophy in PPMS.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one early PPMS patients (within 5 years of symptom onset) underwent MRI scans at baseline and 1 year.
- Brain volume changes were calculated using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM99) and Structural Image Evaluation using Normalization, of Atrophy (SIENA).
- Predictive values of baseline variables (neurological exam, EDSS, MSFC, lesion load) for atrophy were assessed using stepwise linear regression.
Main Results:
- SPM99 analysis revealed significant decreases in brain parenchymal fraction (-1.03%) and GM fraction (-1.49%).
- The number of enhancing lesions independently predicted decreases in brain parenchymal fraction (P=0.019) and WM fraction (P=0.002).
- SIENA analysis showed a mean brain volume change of -0.63%, independently predicted by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (P=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Global and GM atrophy are detectable within one year in early PPMS.
- Inflammation (enhancing lesions) predicts global and WM atrophy, but not GM atrophy.
- SIENA and SPM-based methods offer complementary insights into brain volume changes in early PPMS.