Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Gray matter atrophy is associated with functional connectivity reorganization during the Paced Auditory Serial
Sabina Anna Baltruschat1, Noelia Ventura-Campos1, Álvaro Javier Cruz-Gómez1
1Universitat Jaume I, Campus Riu Sec, Fac. Ciències de la Salut, Departament de Psicología Bàsica, Clínica i Psicobiología, Avd. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain.
Background And Purpose:
We explored the relationship between gray matter atrophy and reorganization of functional connectivity in multiple sclerosis patients during execution of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT).
Materials And Methods:
Seventeen patients and 15 healthy controls were selected for the study. Atrophy was determined using voxel-based morphometry, and atrophy-related connectivity changes were assessed using psychophysiological interaction analysis. Group differences, and correlations with PASAT performance and radiological variables were also examined.
Results:
Gray matter atrophy in MS patients was circumscribed to the bilateral posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus. Compared with controls, patients showed stronger connectivity between the left posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus, and the left middle temporal gyrus and left cerebellum. A regression analysis in controls showed a negative correlation between PASAT scores and functional connectivity between: (1) the left posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus, and left pre/postcentral gyri and left occipital gyrus, and (2) the right posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus, and bilateral cerebellum and left pre/postcentral gyri. Patients showed a negative correlation between brain parenchymal fraction and functional connectivity between the left posterior cingulate gyrus/precuneus and left cerebellum.
Conclusion:
Patients with early MS and little brain damage presented more connectivity during PASAT execution, which may be interpreted as compensatory processes that help preserve cognitive functions.
