Changes in functional connectivity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis spinal cord measured via region-based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease where clinical symptoms do not always correlate with MRI-detected pathology.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is crucial for understanding neural network changes due to structural damage.
• Spinal cord (SC) fMRI studies are limited by the SC's small size and physiological noise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate functional connectivity differences in the spinal cord of persons with relapsing-remitting MS (pwRRMS) compared to healthy controls (HC).
• To explore the relationship between spinal cord functional connectivity and clinical disability measures in pwMS.
• To assess potential compensatory mechanisms in the spinal cord during different stages of MS.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state fMRI at 3 Tesla was employed in the spinal cord of HC and pwRRMS.
• Functional connectivity was assessed using independent component analysis.
• Clinical disability measures were correlated with functional connectivity findings.

Main Results:

• Strongest functional connectivity was observed between ventral gray matter horns in both HC and pwMS.
• Reduced functional connectivity was associated with diminished mobility in pwMS.
• A potential compensatory mechanism of increased connectivity was noted in earlier stages of pwRRMS compared to later stages.

Conclusions:

• Functional alterations exist in the spinal cord of persons with multiple sclerosis.
• Spinal cord functional connectivity changes may reflect disease progression and compensatory strategies.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand the role of spinal cord functional connectivity in MS.