MRI of cortical lesions and its use in studying their role in MS pathogenesis and disease course

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Radiology

Background:

• Cortical grey matter (GM) demyelination is an early feature of multiple sclerosis (MS), linked to physical and cognitive impairments.
• Disability progression in MS correlates with GM demyelination and cortical atrophy.
• The precise inflammatory mechanisms driving GM demyelination and neurodegeneration in MS are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a combined neuropathology, imaging, and molecular approach for detailed characterization of GM injury in MS.
• To identify imaging and biohumoral correlates of cortical pathology for predicting and monitoring MS.
• To better understand the heterogeneous features of GM injury and inflammation in MS.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological studies.
• Advanced radiological methodologies.
• Proposed combined neuropathology, imaging, and molecular approach.

Main Results:

• GM demyelination and atrophy are strongly associated with disability progression in MS.
• Current understanding of GM inflammatory mechanisms in MS is incomplete.
• A multi-modal approach is proposed to characterize GM pathology.

Conclusions:

• A combined approach is needed to fully characterize GM injury in MS.
• Identifying imaging and biohumoral correlates can aid in predicting and monitoring MS.
• Further research into GM demyelination mechanisms is crucial for MS management.