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Regional gray matter atrophy in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a voxel-based morphometry study.
Jorge Sepulcre1, Jaume Sastre-Garriga, Mara Cercignani
1Institute of Neurology, University College of London, 23 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, England.
Archives of Neurology
|August 16, 2006
Summary
Gray matter atrophy in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is most prominent in deep gray matter structures like the thalamus. This pattern of neurodegeneration evolves over time, affecting cortical and infratentorial regions as the disease progresses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Neurodegeneration
Background:
- Gray matter (GM) atrophy is a known feature of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The specific regional distribution of GM atrophy in primary progressive MS (PPMS) remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regional distribution of GM atrophy in clinically early primary progressive MS (PPMS).
Main Methods:
- Voxel-based morphometry was used to analyze 3D MRI scans from 31 early PPMS patients and 15 controls.
- Longitudinal analysis involved repeat scans after 1 year for patients.
- Lesion masks were utilized to minimize bias during normalization and segmentation.
Main Results:
- At baseline, PPMS patients showed bilateral thalamic atrophy compared to controls.
- Thalamic GM volume reduction was associated with lesion load.
- Over one year, GM loss was observed in the putamen, caudate, thalami, and cortical/infratentorial areas.
Conclusions:
- Deep gray matter structures are most affected by atrophy in early PPMS.
- These deep GM regions may be more susceptible to neurodegeneration.
- Cortical and infratentorial atrophy emerge as the disease progresses.