Demyelination load as predictor for disease progression in juvenile metachromatic leukodystrophy

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the extent and topography of cerebral demyelination correlates with and predicts disease progression in patients with juvenile metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

A total of 137 MRIs of 46 patients with juvenile MLD were analyzed. Demyelination load and brain volume were quantified using the previously developed Software "clusterize." Clinical data were collected within the German Leukodystrophy Network and included full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and gross motor function data. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) across the whole brain was performed to investigate the spatial relationship of cerebral demyelination with motor or cognitive function. The prognostic value of the demyelination load at disease onset was assessed to determine the severity of disease progression.

The demyelination load (corrected by the individual brain volume) correlated significantly with gross motor function (r = +0.55) and FSIQ (r = -0.55). Demyelination load at disease onset was associated with the severity of disease progression later on (P < 0.01). VLSM results associated frontal lobe demyelination with loss in FSIQ and more central region demyelination with decline of motor function. Especially progression of demyelination within the motor area was associated with severe disease progression.

We were able to show for the first time in a large cohort of patients with juvenile MLD that the demyelination load correlates with motor and cognitive symptoms. Moreover, demyelination load at disease onset, especially the involvement of the central region, predicts severity of disease progression. Thus, demyelination load seems a functionally relevant MRI parameter.