Intercontinental validation of brain volume measurements using MSmetrix

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Brain volume assessment is critical in multiple sclerosis (MS) research and treatment.
• MSmetrix software was developed for MS patients, using a primarily European reference population.
• This study addresses potential population-specific variations in brain volume metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of MSmetrix software with a Brazilian population.
• To determine if MSmetrix brain volume data is applicable to non-European individuals.
• To validate MSmetrix for broader international use in multiple sclerosis diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 295 normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from Brazilian subjects.
• Comparison of Brazilian brain volume data against established MSmetrix standards.
• Statistical plotting of whole brain and grey matter volumes.

Main Results:

• Only 2% of healthy Brazilian adults fell below the 5th percentile for whole brain volume in MSmetrix.
• A similar finding was observed for grey matter volume, with 3% below the 5th percentile.
• These results indicate a high degree of concordance between Brazilian data and MSmetrix standards.

Conclusions:

• MSmetrix software demonstrates applicability across different populations, including Brazilians.
• The findings support the use of MSmetrix as a reliable tool for brain volume assessment in global MS research.
• Population-specific calibration may not be necessary for MSmetrix software.