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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Different white matter lesion characteristics correlate with distinct grey matter abnormalities on magnetic resonance
1Department of Neuroinflammation, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N3BG, UK. j.furby@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Background:
Although MRI measures of grey matter abnormality correlate with clinical disability in multiple sclerosis, it is uncertain whether grey matter abnormality measured on MRI is entirely due to a primary grey matter process or whether it is partly related to disease in the white matter.
Methods:
To explore potential mechanisms of grey matter damage we assessed the relationship of white matter T2 lesion volume, T1 lesion volume, and mean lesion magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR), with MRI measures of tissue atrophy and MTR in the grey matter in 117 subjects with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Results:
Grey matter fraction and mean grey matter MTR were strongly associated with lesion volumes and lesion MTR mean (r = +/-0.63-0.72). In contrast, only weak to moderate correlations existed between white matter and lesion measures. In a stepwise regression model, T1 lesion volume was the only independent lesion correlate of grey matter fraction and accounted for 52% of the variance. Lesion MTR mean and T2 lesion volume were independent correlates of mean grey matter MTR, accounting for 57% of the variance.
Conclusions:
Axonal transection within lesions with secondary degeneration into the grey matter may explain the relationship between T1 lesions and grey matter fraction. A parallel accumulation of demyelinating lesions in white and grey matter may contribute to the association of T2 lesion volume and lesion MTR with grey matter MTR.
Insights
White matter lesions significantly impact grey matter damage in multiple sclerosis. T1 lesions correlate with grey matter fraction, while T2 lesions and lesion MTR influence grey matter MTR, suggesting shared pathological processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Grey matter abnormalities on MRI correlate with multiple sclerosis (MS) disability.
- The precise cause of grey matter damage in MS (primary vs. secondary to white matter disease) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between white matter lesions and grey matter damage in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
- To explore potential mechanisms driving grey matter pathology in MS.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 117 SPMS subjects using MRI.
- Examined correlations between white matter lesion characteristics (T2 volume, T1 volume, MTR) and grey matter measures (atrophy, MTR).
Main Results:
- Strong associations found between grey matter measures and lesion characteristics (r = +/-0.63-0.72).
- T1 lesion volume independently predicted grey matter fraction (52% variance).
- Lesion MTR and T2 lesion volume independently predicted mean grey matter MTR (57% variance).
Conclusions:
- Axonal damage within T1 lesions may cause secondary grey matter degeneration.
- Parallel demyelination in white and grey matter could explain associations with T2 lesions and grey matter MTR.
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