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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
14:27
Identification of Disease-related Spatial Covariance Patterns using Neuroimaging Data
Published on: June 26, 2013
A voxel-based morphometry study of disease severity correlates in relapsing-- remitting multiple sclerosis
A Prinster1, M Quarantelli, R Lanzillo
1Biostructure and Bioimaging Institute, National Research Council, Naples, Italy. anna.prinster@ibb.cnr.it
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|December 24, 2009
Summary
Grey matter loss in sensorimotor areas correlates with disability in multiple sclerosis patients. Lesion load also impacts brain tissue, but disease duration shows less correlation with atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
- Previous studies indicate fronto-temporal grey matter loss in MS patients.
- Correlations between brain atrophy and clinical severity in MS remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between grey and white matter atrophy and clinical/radiological markers in relapsing-remitting MS.
- To assess correlations with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and lesion load.
Main Methods:
- Optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used.
- 128 relapsing-remitting MS patients (EDSS 1.0-6.0) were analyzed.
- Correlations between EDSS, lesion load, disease duration, and regional brain atrophy were assessed.
Main Results:
- Bilateral sensorimotor cortex grey matter loss correlated with EDSS.
- Adjacent white matter tissue loss extended along pyramidal tracts to the brainstem.
- Increased lesion load correlated with deep grey and white matter loss.
- No significant correlation was found between brain atrophy and disease duration.
Conclusions:
- Motor neuron involvement is a key factor in MS physical disability progression.
- Lesion accrual primarily affects interconnected subcortical structures.
- Disease duration has a limited impact on brain atrophy, possibly due to heterogeneous disease courses.
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