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Association between Brain White Matter Lesions and Disease Activity in HAM/TSP Patients

Keiko Tamaki1, Shinji Ouma1, Nobutaka Takahashi1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan.

Neurology International
|February 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Brain white matter lesions are more pronounced in rapid progressors with Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Spinal cord inflammation may contribute to these brain lesions in HAM/TSP patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) can affect brain white matter (WM).
  • The relationship between brain WM lesions and HAM/TSP disease activity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate brain WM lesions in HAM/TSP patients.
  • To correlate lesion severity with disease progression and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 22 HAM/TSP patients.
  • Assessment of WM lesions using Fazekas scale on FLAIR MRI.
  • Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and proviral load.

Main Results:

  • Rapid progressors showed more pronounced brain WM lesions compared to slow progressors.
  • Severe and persistent spinal cord inflammation may be linked to brain WM lesions in HAM/TSP.

Conclusions:

  • Brain WM lesions are associated with disease severity in HAM/TSP.
  • Spinal cord inflammation is a potential cause of brain WM lesions in HAM/TSP.
Keywords:
Fazekas scaleHAM/TSPbrain WM lesionsdisease activity

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