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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Relevance of callosal and periventricular MRI lesions to oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis
I Nakashima1, K Fujihara, H Miyazawa
1Department of Neurology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Seiryo-machi, Sendai, Japan. inakashima@em.neurol.med.tohoku.ac.jp
Objectives:
To evaluate the association between callosal or periventricular lesions, and the presence of oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) or the IgG index in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Materials And Methods:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied in 34 Japanese clinically definite MS cases. Sagittal 2-mm fast fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) imaging was added to the routine MRI studies.
Results:
Among the 34 patients, 20 (59%) were OB positive. Among the 20 patients with OB-positive MS, 17 (85%) had callosal lesions, although only two (14%) of 14 OB-negative MS patients had callosal lesions. The periventricular lesion area was significantly larger in the OB-positive patients compared with the OB-negative patients.
Conclusions:
The present study clearly demonstrated a strong association between the periventricular lesions and OB in Japanese MS. Certain OB-related immune mechanisms may contribute to the development of callosal and periventricular lesions in MS. OB may be an important factor to understand the pathomechanisms of MS lesions.
Insights
Oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) are strongly associated with periventricular lesions in Japanese multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. These findings suggest immune mechanisms involving OB may drive MS lesion development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) in cerebrospinal fluid are a hallmark of MS, indicating intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis.
- The relationship between specific lesion types and OB status in Japanese MS patients requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between callosal and periventricular lesions on MRI.
- To determine the correlation with the presence of oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) or IgG index in Japanese MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI including sagittal 2-mm FLAIR imaging was performed on 34 Japanese patients with clinically definite MS.
- Lesion presence and area, particularly in callosal and periventricular regions, were analyzed.
- Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of OB.
Main Results:
- Oligoclonal IgG bands (OB) were detected in 59% (20/34) of the Japanese MS patients.
- A significant association was observed between OB positivity and the presence of callosal lesions (85% vs. 14%).
- Periventricular lesion area was significantly larger in OB-positive patients compared to OB-negative patients.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between periventricular lesions and OB in Japanese MS patients.
- Immune mechanisms related to OB may contribute to the development of callosal and periventricular lesions in MS.
- OB status is a crucial factor for understanding the pathogenesis of MS lesions.
