Decrease in Secondary Neck Vessels in Multiple Sclerosis: A 5-year Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Angiography Study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Vascular Biology
• Multiple Sclerosis Research

Background:

• Previous studies indicate extracranial vascular differences in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) compared to healthy controls (HCs).
• Understanding longitudinal vascular changes in PwMS is crucial for disease progression insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 5-year changes in the number and size of secondary neck vessels in PwMS and HCs.
• To compare the longitudinal vascular alterations between PwMS and HCs.

Main Methods:

• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was used to analyze secondary neck vessels (excluding major vessels) in 83 PwMS and 25 HCs at baseline and follow-up.
• Semi-automated software quantified vessel number and cross-sectional area (CSA) from C2-T1 levels.
• Non-parametric statistical tests, including FDR adjustment, analyzed longitudinal changes.

Main Results:

• Over 5 years, PwMS showed a significant decrease in both the number and CSA of secondary neck vessels (q=0.001 and q=0.004, respectively).
• HCs did not exhibit significant longitudinal changes in these vessels.
• At follow-up, PwMS had fewer secondary neck vessels compared to HCs (p<0.029).

Conclusions:

• Persons with multiple sclerosis experience a significant mid-term reduction in secondary neck vessel number and size.
• The clinical significance and impact on intracranial blood flow remain to be determined.