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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
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Structural MRI correlates of PASAT performance in multiple sclerosis.
Jordi A Matias-Guiu1, Ana Cortés-Martínez2, Paloma Montero2
1Department of Neurology, San Carlos Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/ Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain. jordimatiasguiu@hotmail.com.
BMC Neurology
|December 22, 2018
Summary
Cognitive performance on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is linked to brain structure. Specific cortical and subcortical regions, including the precuneus and cerebellum, are associated with PASAT scores.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neurology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) is crucial for evaluating sustained attention and processing speed in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The neural basis of PASAT performance in MS patients remains debated.
- This study investigates the structural brain correlates of PASAT performance in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neural underpinnings of Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) performance in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To identify specific brain regions associated with cognitive performance in MS patients using structural MRI.
Main Methods:
- Administered the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to 242 MS patients.
- Utilized structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for global brain volume and T2-weighted lesion volume estimation.
- Performed voxel-based morphometry and lesion symptom mapping, alongside region of interest (ROI) analysis focused on white matter tracts.
Main Results:
- Mean PASAT score was 42.98 ± 10.44, with 31.0% of patients showing impairment.
- PASAT scores correlated with regional volumes in the bilateral precuneus, posterior cingulate, caudate, putamen, and cerebellum.
- No significant clusters were found via voxel-based lesion symptom mapping; however, white matter analysis revealed correlations with the left cingulum, corpus callosum, bilateral corticospinal tracts, and right arcuate fasciculus.
Conclusions:
- Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) performance in MS is associated with regional brain volumes, particularly in the posterior cingulate/precuneus and subcortical structures (caudate, putamen, cerebellum).
- Highlights the significant role of both cortical and subcortical structures in cognitive function and information processing speed in MS.
- Suggests that structural integrity of specific brain networks is vital for maintaining cognitive abilities in multiple sclerosis.
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