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Evolution of cortical and thalamus atrophy and disability progression in early relapsing-remitting MS during 5 years

R Zivadinov1, N Bergsland, O Dolezal

  • 1Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center.

AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|April 13, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Subtle gray matter (SGM) atrophy is linked to disability progression in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Patients with sustained disability progression (SDP) showed greater brain volume loss, particularly in the cortex and thalamus, over five years.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurology
  • Multiple Sclerosis Research

Background:

  • Pathologic changes in gray matter (GM) play a crucial role in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Investigating the relationship between subtle gray matter (SGM) and cortical volume changes is vital for understanding disability progression in early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between subtle gray matter (SGM) volume and cortical volume changes.
  • To determine the link between SGM and disability progression in early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) over a 5-year period.

Main Methods:

  • 180 RRMS patients underwent clinical assessment for 5 years, categorized by sustained disability progression (SDP).
  • Longitudinal changes in brain volumes (cortical, GM, white matter) were calculated using MRI scans collected at multiple time points.
  • Mixed-effect models were used to analyze the relationship between SDP status and volume changes over time.

Main Results:

  • Patients with SDP at 5 years had smaller baseline SGM and cortical volumes and experienced greater decreases in whole brain, cortical, GM, and thalamic volumes compared to those without SDP.
  • Significant interactions were observed between SDP status and changes in whole-brain, cortical, lateral ventricle, thalamic, and SGM volumes over time.
  • SDP was associated with accelerated atrophy in the cortex, thalamus, and overall brain volume.

Conclusions:

  • Sustained disability progression (SDP) in early RRMS is associated with accelerated cortical, central, and thalamic atrophy over 5 years.
  • Subtle gray matter (SGM) volume changes are indicative of disease progression and disability in RRMS patients.

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