Brain atrophy and physical disability in primary progressive multiple sclerosis: A volumetric study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroimaging
• Neurodegeneration

Background:

• Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration.
• Grey matter atrophy is observed in PPMS, but its link to clinical disability is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between regional brain atrophy and physical disability in PPMS patients.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen PPMS patients underwent neurological evaluation and brain MRI.
• Volumetric analysis of brain structures was performed using FreeSurfer.
• Physical disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Main Results:

• No significant correlation was found between EDSS score or disease duration and grey or white matter volumes.
• Lesion load was negatively correlated with cortical and subcortical grey matter volumes.
• No correlation was observed between lesion load and total white matter volume.

Conclusions:

• Physical disability in PPMS is not directly associated with brain volume loss.
• Grey matter atrophy in PPMS correlates with lesion load, suggesting inflammatory lesions may drive neurodegeneration.