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Updated: May 11, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
Morphostructural MRI abnormalities related to neuropsychiatric disorders associated to multiple sclerosis
Simona Bonavita1, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Antonio Gallo
1Second University of Naples, II Clinic of Neurology, Piazza Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy ; Neurological Institute for Diagnosis and Care "Hermitage Capodimonte", Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis associated neuropsychiatric disorders include major depression (MD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar affective disorder, euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, and personality change. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies focused mainly on identifying morphostructural correlates of MD; only a few anecdotal cases on OCD associated to MS (OCD-MS), euphoria, pseudobulbar affect, psychosis, personality change, and one research article on MRI abnormalities in OCD-MS have been published. Therefore, in the present review we will report mainly on neuroimaging abnormalities found in MS patients with MD and OCD. All together, the studies on MD associated to MS suggest that, in this disease, depression is linked to a damage involving mainly frontotemporal regions either with discrete lesions (with those visible in T1 weighted images playing a more significant role) or subtle normal appearing white matter abnormalities. Hippocampal atrophy, as well, seems to be involved in MS related depression. It is conceivable that grey matter pathology (i.e., global and regional atrophy, cortical lesions), which occurs early in the course of disease, may involve several areas including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the orbitofrontal cortex, and the anterior cingulate cortex whose disruption is currently thought to explain late-life depression. Further MRI studies are necessary to better elucidate OCD pathogenesis in MS.
Insights
Neuroimaging studies reveal that major depression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is linked to frontotemporal damage, including white matter abnormalities and hippocampal atrophy. Further research is needed to understand Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can manifest with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depression (MD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Existing neuroimaging research primarily focuses on MD in MS, with limited data on OCD and other neuropsychiatric conditions.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies are crucial for identifying structural brain changes associated with these disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroimaging abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis patients experiencing major depression (MD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- To synthesize current understanding of the morphostructural correlates of MD and OCD in the context of MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies examining brain abnormalities in MS patients with MD and OCD.
- Analysis of findings related to discrete lesions and normal-appearing white matter abnormalities.
- Consideration of grey matter pathology, including atrophy and cortical lesions.
Main Results:
- Depression in MS appears associated with damage in frontotemporal regions, involving both visible lesions (T1-weighted images) and subtle white matter changes.
- Hippocampal atrophy is also implicated in MS-related depression.
- Grey matter pathology, affecting areas like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex, may contribute to depression in MS.
Conclusions:
- Frontotemporal damage and hippocampal atrophy are key neuroimaging findings in MS-related major depression.
- Grey matter pathology in specific cortical regions may underlie depression in MS.
- More extensive MRI research is required to fully understand the neurobiological basis of OCD in Multiple Sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).