Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
3T deep gray matter T2 hypointensity correlates with disability over time in stable relapsing-remitting multiple
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Canada. yunyzhan@ucalgary.ca
Abstract:
Abnormally decreased deep gray matter (GM) signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI (T2 hypointensity) is associated with brain atrophy and disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is believed to represent excessive iron deposition. We investigated the time course of deep GM T2 hypointensity and its relationship with disability at 3T in 8 stable relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients treated with minocycline over 3years. MRI and disability measurements were compared at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36months. Grand mean deep GM T2 hypointensity was negatively correlated with EDSS over time (r=-0.94, P=0.02). This correlation was strongest in the head of caudate (r=-0.95, P=0.01) and putamen (r=-0.89, P=0.04). Additionally, baseline grand mean deep GM T2 hypointensity appears to predict third year EDSS (r=-0.72, P=0.04). These results suggest that iron associated deep GM injury correlates with patient disability in stable RRMS. Measurements of deep GM T2 hypointensity at high field MRI may prove to be useful in monitoring individuals with MS. Further studies are required to confirm these results in a large sample and to determine if T2 hypointensity changes in clinically active MS patients.
Insights
Deep gray matter T2 hypointensity, indicating iron buildup in multiple sclerosis (MS), correlates with patient disability. This MRI measurement may help monitor MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Deep gray matter (GM) T2 hypointensity on MRI is linked to atrophy and disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- This hypointensity is thought to reflect iron deposition in the brain.
- Understanding its progression is crucial for MS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in deep GM T2 hypointensity.
- To examine the relationship between deep GM T2 hypointensity and disability progression in stable relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
- To assess the predictive value of baseline T2 hypointensity for future disability.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal 3T MRI and disability assessments (EDSS) over 3 years in 8 stable RRMS patients.
- Comparison of measurements at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.
- Correlation analysis between deep GM T2 hypointensity and EDSS scores.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between grand mean deep GM T2 hypointensity and EDSS over time (r=-0.94, P=0.02).
- The strongest correlations were observed in the caudate nucleus (r=-0.95, P=0.01) and putamen (r=-0.89, P=0.04).
- Baseline deep GM T2 hypointensity predicted third-year EDSS (r=-0.72, P=0.04).
Conclusions:
- Iron-associated deep GM injury correlates with disability in stable RRMS patients.
- Deep GM T2 hypointensity measured by high-field MRI may serve as a useful monitoring tool for MS.
- Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm findings and explore changes in active MS.
