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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Cortical atrophy is relevant in multiple sclerosis at clinical onset
Massimiliano Calabrese1, Matteo Atzori, Valentina Bernardi
1The Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Veneto Region, First Neurology Clinic, Dept. of Neurosciences, University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 5, 35128 Padova, Italy. calabresem@hotmail.it
Journal of Neurology
|March 16, 2007
Summary
Cortical thinning is an early sign of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), appearing even at clinical onset. This diffuse gray matter pathology impacts disability and affects numerous brain regions, independent of white matter lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Neurodegeneration
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves cortical gray matter pathology.
- Early onset and impact on disability require further investigation.
- Identifying affected cortical areas is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early cortical gray matter pathology in MS.
- To determine the relationship between cortical thinning and clinical disability.
- To identify specific cortical areas affected in MS.
Main Methods:
- 115 MS patients (CIS, p-MS, RR-MS, SP-MS) and 40 healthy volunteers (HV) underwent neurological exams and MRI.
- Global and regional Cortical Thickness (CTh) were measured.
- Brain parenchyma fraction and T2 lesion load were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant global cortical thinning observed in p-MS, RR-MS, and SP-MS compared to CIS and HV.
- Cortical thinning was widespread, affecting most regions even in early MS stages (p-MS).
- Clinical presentation at onset correlated with regional cortical atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Cortical thinning is a diffuse and early phenomenon in MS, detectable at clinical onset.
- Cortical thinning correlates with clinical disability.
- This pathology is partially independent of white matter inflammatory lesions.
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