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Vascular risk factors are associated with grey matter atrophy in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Nevin A John1,2, Yingtong Li1, Floriana De Angelis3

  • 1Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

European Journal of Neurology
|December 18, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vascular comorbidities and higher comorbidity burden in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) are linked to reduced grey matter volume. However, these factors did not significantly impact brain atrophy rates over two years.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Vascular risk factors and comorbidities are associated with brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The link between vascular comorbidities (VCM) and brain atrophy in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is less understood.
  • This study investigates the association between VCM, comorbidity burden, and brain atrophy in SPMS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between VCM and brain atrophy in SPMS.
  • To assess the impact of overall comorbidity burden on brain atrophy in SPMS.
  • To determine if VCM or comorbidity count influences the rate of brain atrophy over time.

Main Methods:

  • Post hoc analysis of 445 participants from the MS-SMART trial.
  • Vascular comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) and other comorbidities were recorded.
  • Regional and whole brain volumes, and atrophy rates were calculated using SIENAX and SIENA; multiple linear regression was used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • VCM (hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) was associated with decreased cortical grey matter volume cross-sectionally.
  • A higher comorbidity count (≥2) was also associated with reduced cortical grey matter volume.
  • No significant association was found between VCM/comorbidity count and the rate of whole brain or grey matter atrophy over 96 weeks.

Conclusions:

  • Individuals with SPMS and VCM or increased comorbidity burden exhibit reduced whole brain and cortical grey matter volumes.
  • No significant impact of VCM or comorbidity burden on the subsequent 2-year rate of brain atrophy was detected.
Keywords:
comorbiditiesmultiple sclerosissecondary progressive

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