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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Reduction of brain volume in MS. MRI and pathology findings
1VU Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. g.lycklama@vumc.nl
Abstract:
Atrophy is one of the hallmarks in multiple sclerosis (MS), especially in the advanced stage. Modern magnetic resonance (MR) techniques can reliably measure brain volume and changes therein. Depending on the technique used, changes of about 1% may be detected. Clinicoradiological studies show good correlation between atrophy measures, both in brain and spinal cord, and clinical measures. The exact relationship between focal MS lesions and global atrophy has yet to be established. Number of lesions early in the disease seems to predict later atrophy. The exact pathomechanism of atrophy in MS probably may be explained by both demyelination and axonal loss--which may occur independently from each other.
Insights
Brain atrophy is a key feature of advanced multiple sclerosis (MS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect subtle volume changes, correlating with clinical symptoms and predicting future atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Medical Diagnosis
Background:
- Atrophy is a significant characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in advanced stages.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) techniques offer reliable methods for quantifying brain volume and detecting changes.
- Current research indicates a strong correlation between brain and spinal cord atrophy and clinical measures in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between focal lesions and global atrophy in multiple sclerosis.
- To explore the predictive value of early-stage lesion count on subsequent atrophy.
- To elucidate the underlying pathomechanisms of atrophy in MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques to measure brain volume.
- Analyzing clinicoradiological data to correlate atrophy measures with clinical assessments.
- Examining the association between the number of focal lesions and the progression of global atrophy.
Main Results:
- MR techniques can detect subtle volumetric changes (approximately 1%) in the brain.
- Significant correlations exist between measured atrophy and clinical indicators in MS.
- The number of lesions detected early in the disease course appears to predict later atrophy development.
Conclusions:
- Early lesion load in MS may serve as a predictor for future global atrophy.
- Atrophy in MS is likely multifactorial, involving both demyelination and axonal loss.
- These processes, demyelination and axonal loss, may occur independently, contributing to overall brain volume reduction.
