Quantitative evaluation of callosal abnormalities in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using diffusion tensor...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Controversial findings exist regarding diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) changes in the corpus callosum (CC) of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.
• Previous studies have reported varying results on CC alterations in RRMS.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted.
• Included studies compared DTI parameters (FA, MD, AD, RD) between RRMS patients and healthy controls.
• Data were analyzed using Stata 12.0.

Key Points:

• Meta-analysis of 15 studies (461 RRMS patients, 365 controls) revealed significant reductions in whole CC, genu, and splenium FA in RRMS patients.
• Whole CC, genu, and splenium mean diffusivity (MD) were significantly increased in RRMS patients.
• Axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were significantly increased in the whole CC of RRMS patients.
• Meta-regression indicated that the male ratio significantly influenced FA reduction in the splenium CC.

Conclusions:

• Diffusion tensor imaging parameters demonstrate increased sensitivity for detecting pathological damage in the corpus callosum of RRMS patients.
• DTI metrics can serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing CC involvement in RRMS.
• Further research may explore the specific impact of factors like gender on DTI findings in RRMS.