The impact of athrosclerosis on cognition and disability in multiple sclerosis patients: the ATHUS score

Atherosclerosis of the large arteries of the neck could be related to the cognitive and motor deficit. We investigated if the atherosclerosis of common carotid and femoral arteries in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is directly linked with a disability and has an inverse relationship with cognitive performance.

We enrolled, in this prospective study, a random sample of 105 patients with MS and 22 healthy controls. All participants received a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The physical disability was quantified with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We utilized ultrasound of the carotid and femoral arteries to evaluate the degree of stenosis and intima-media thickness (IMT). We created a novice ultrasound index of atherosclerosis (ATHUS score) based on the arterial stenosis and the IMT of the carotid and femoral arteries. We then compared the results of the psychometric assessment and EDSS with the ATHUS score.

The analysis demonstrated that higher cognitive function is correlated with lower values of ATHUS score (p =0.01). Also, there was a direct correlation between the ATHUS score and EDSS (p =0.001).

Our results suggest that the degree of atherosclerosis, as calculated by the ATHUS score, is directly related to low cognitive score and higher sensory and motor disability. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(2): 81-86.