Assessing brain connectivity at rest is clinically relevant in early multiple sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Early multiple sclerosis (MS) shows brain resting-state network (RSN) reorganization.
• Understanding the clinical implications of this reorganization is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the clinical counterpart of RSN reorganization in early MS.
• To investigate the association between RSN connectivity and clinical disability.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) at 3T was used for 13 early MS patients and 14 controls.
• Group spatial Independent Component Analysis and double regression analyses were employed.
• Connectivity differences and correlations with clinical scores (EDSS, MSFC) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Seven out of eight identified RSNs showed significantly increased global connectivity in MS patients.
• No significant decrease in RSN connectivity was observed in early MS.
• Increased connectivity in specific networks correlated negatively with MS Functional Composite Score (MSFC).

Conclusions:

• RSN reorganization is strongly linked to disability in early MS.
• Resting-state fMRI shows promise as a surrogate marker for MS disease burden.
• These findings highlight the potential of fMRI in assessing neurological impact.