Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
Percentage brain volume change in multiple sclerosis mainly reflects white matter and cortical volume
Markus Lauerer1,2, Matthias Bussas1,2, Viola Pongratz1,2
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS), as measured by percentage brain volume change (PBVC) from brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been established as an outcome parameter in clinical trials. It is unknown to what extent volume changes within different brain tissue compartments contribute to PBVC. We analyzed pairs of MRI scans (at least 6 months apart) in 600 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Multiple regression revealed that PBVC mainly reflects volume loss of white and cortical gray matter, while deep gray matter and white matter lesions were less represented. Our findings aid the interpretation of PBVC changes in MS.
Insights
Brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily reflects white and cortical gray matter loss, not deep gray matter or lesions. This finding helps interpret brain volume changes in MS clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Brain atrophy, measured by percentage brain volume change (PBVC) via MRI, is a key outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials.
- The specific contributions of different brain tissue compartments to overall PBVC in MS are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent to which volume changes in distinct brain tissue compartments (white matter, cortical gray matter, deep gray matter, white matter lesions) contribute to PBVC in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of serial brain MRI scans (minimum 6-month interval) from 600 patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS.
- Application of multiple regression analysis to correlate PBVC with volume changes in specific brain tissue compartments.
Main Results:
- PBVC is predominantly driven by volume loss in the brain's white matter and cortical gray matter.
- Volume changes in deep gray matter and white matter lesions were found to be less significant contributors to overall PBVC.
Conclusions:
- The interpretation of PBVC in MS clinical trials should primarily consider white and cortical gray matter volume loss.
- These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of brain atrophy progression in MS, aiding in the assessment of treatment efficacy.
