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Correlations between MRI and Information Processing Speed in MS: A Meta-Analysis

S M Rao1, A L Martin2, R Huelin2

  • 1Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.

Multiple Sclerosis International
|May 6, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study found moderate-to-strong correlations between brain imaging (MRI) and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) showed stronger MRI correlations than the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT).

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting the central nervous system.
  • Cognitive impairment, particularly in information processing speed (IPS), is a common symptom in MS.
  • Conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measures like T2 lesion volume (T2LV) and brain atrophy are used to assess MS-related brain changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize existing research on the relationship between conventional MRI measures and cognitive function in MS patients.
  • To compare the strength of correlations between different MRI metrics (T2LV, atrophy) and two common cognitive tests: the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT).
  • To investigate potential reporting biases in the literature regarding MRI and IPS correlations.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature review of studies involving MS patients, assessing SDMT or PASAT, and measuring T2LV or brain atrophy.
  • Meta-analysis of correlations between MRI measures and IPS.
  • Statistical analyses, including significance testing and binomial testing, were employed to account for reporting bias and compare correlation strengths.

Main Results:

  • A moderate-to-strong correlation was found between impaired IPS and MRI findings in mixed MS populations.
  • Direct meta-analysis revealed significant correlations between SDMT and T2LV (r = -0.45) and atrophy (r = -0.54).
  • Binomial testing indicated that the SDMT demonstrated stronger correlations with MRI measures compared to the PASAT (P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

  • There is a significant association between brain structural changes (MRI) and cognitive processing speed deficits in individuals with MS.
  • The SDMT appears to be a more sensitive cognitive measure for detecting MRI-related changes in MS compared to the PASAT.
  • The observed correlations are robust and not solely attributable to population heterogeneity or selective reporting of significant findings.

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