Spin echo transverse relaxation and atrophy in multiple sclerosis deep gray matter: A two-year longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Deep gray matter (DGM) is impacted in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
• Short-term longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a potential tool for studying DGM in RRMS.
• Understanding DGM changes is crucial for managing MS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess two-year changes in spin-echo transverse relaxation rate (R2) and atrophy in the DGM of RRMS patients.
• To investigate the relationship between these DGM changes and disease severity in RRMS.
• To evaluate the utility of R2 mapping and atrophy measurements for monitoring MS.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six RRMS patients and 26 matched controls underwent 4.7 T MRI.
• Multiecho spin-echo R2 maps and atrophy measurements were acquired at baseline and two-year follow-up.
• Statistical analyses examined differences in MRI measures and correlations with disease severity.

Main Results:

• Mean R2 values in the globus pallidus and pulvinar increased significantly (~4%) in RRMS patients over two years compared to controls.
• Two-year R2 changes in the globus pallidus, pulvinar, substantia nigra, and thalamus correlated significantly with disease severity.
• Multiple regression analysis showed a strong correlation (r=0.83, p<0.001) between DGM R2 changes and disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Two-year R2 measurements in DGM show a significant correlation with disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• R2 mapping and atrophy measurements over two years are effective in identifying DGM changes in MS patients.
• Longitudinal MRI techniques can provide valuable insights into neurodegeneration in MS.