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Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Cortical lesions in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a 2-year longitudinal MR study.
M Calabrese1, M A Rocca, M Atzori
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Neurology
|April 15, 2009
Summary
Cortical lesions are common in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and predict future disability. Their presence and volume correlate with gray matter atrophy and disease progression over two years.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Multiple Sclerosis Research
Background:
- Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) shows a disconnect between white matter lesion load and neurological disability.
- Double-inversion recovery (DIR) MRI sequences enhance detection of cortical lesions (CLs) in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency, extent, and development rate of CLs in PPMS over two years.
- To determine the relationship between CLs, T2 lesion volume (LV), gray matter (GM) atrophy, and disability in PPMS.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year longitudinal study involving 48 PPMS patients.
- Clinical and MRI assessments at baseline and follow-up, measuring CLs, WM T2 LV, and GM fraction (GMf).
Main Results:
- CLs were present in 81.2% of PPMS patients at baseline.
- Both CLs and T2 WM LVs increased over the study period.
- Baseline CL volume independently predicted GM volume changes and disability accumulation over two years.
Conclusions:
- Cortical lesions are a frequent finding in PPMS.
- The extent of CLs correlates with cortical atrophy and clinical disability.
- CLs can predict future changes in atrophy and disability over a medium-term period.
