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[Neuropsychological and MRI diagnostics in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis]
I-K Penner1,2, A Gass3, H Schreiber4
1Klinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Deutschland. ik.penner@cogito-center.com.
Der Nervenarzt
|April 23, 2021
Summary
Early detection of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is crucial for effective treatment. Cognitive testing and MRI monitoring aid in identifying SPMS conversion and guiding patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses from a relapsing-remitting course (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS).
- Current treatments often fail to manage SPMS effectively, highlighting the need for early detection.
- Cognitive function assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are vital for monitoring MS progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the role of cognitive testing and MRI in predicting and detecting SPMS conversion.
- To discuss strategies for disease monitoring and optimizing treatment in clinical practice, especially in outpatient settings.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review article based on a nonsystematic literature review.
Main Results:
- Standardized cognitive tests like SDMT, BVMT-R, and BICAMS can aid in early SPMS diagnosis and monitoring.
- MRI findings, including persistent inflammatory activity within three years of diagnosis and cortical lesions, predict SPMS conversion.
- Regular MRI monitoring for progression markers supports clinical and neurocognitive indicators of SPMS.
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary care involving clinical exams, neuropsychological testing, and MRI is essential for predicting SPMS conversion.
- Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment adjustments, as SPMS therapies differ from RRMS treatments.
- Continuous monitoring of clinical, neuropsychological, and MRI data ensures effective management of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and treatment complications.
