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Cortical lesions and brain atrophy in MS
Alexandra Kutzelnigg1, Hans Lassmann
1Department of Neuroimmunology, Center for Brain Research Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|May 17, 2005
Summary
Multiple sclerosis primarily affects white matter, but grey matter demyelination also occurs. This grey matter involvement may significantly contribute to clinical disability in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is traditionally viewed as a white matter disease.
- However, significant demyelination also affects grey matter, including deep cerebral nuclei and the cerebral cortex.
- This grey matter pathology is increasingly recognized in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathological evidence of grey matter involvement in multiple sclerosis.
- To discuss the potential contribution of grey matter lesions to clinical disability in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating grey matter pathology in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of clinical data correlating grey matter involvement with disability.
Main Results:
- Demyelination is prominent in the grey matter of deep cerebral nuclei and the cerebral cortex in MS.
- Evidence suggests a correlation between grey matter lesions and clinical disability.
Conclusions:
- Grey matter pathology is a significant feature of multiple sclerosis.
- Involvement of grey matter structures likely contributes substantially to clinical disability in MS patients.