Subcortical volume alterations indicate structural atrophy patterns over time in relapsing-remitting multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging and Neurology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Brain Anatomy and Volumetry

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system neurodegenerative disorder.
• Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form.
• Subcortical volume loss is a key prognostic indicator in RRMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess time-dependent volumetric changes in the thalamus and basal nuclei in RRMS patients over three years.
• To evaluate the relationship between structural brain changes and disease progression.
• To utilize the volBrain software for automated volumetric analysis of MRI scans.

Main Methods:

• Inclusion of 50 RRMS patients and 50 healthy controls.
• Acquisition and analysis of T1-weighted brain MRI scans at three time points (2017, 2019, 2022) using volBrain software.
• Application of statistical analyses including Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Dunn tests.

Main Results:

• RRMS patients exhibited significantly lower volumes in the thalamus, nucleus caudatus, and nucleus lentiformis compared to controls (p < 0.05).
• Significant volume loss was detected between the 1st-3rd and 2nd-3rd MRI scans, but not between the 1st-2nd scans.
• The most substantial volume reduction occurred between the 1st and 3rd MRI scans, with the left nucleus caudatus showing the greatest loss (7.92%).

Conclusions:

• MS leads to significant subcortical atrophy, impacting brain structure.
• The volBrain software is effective for generating clinically relevant volumetric data.
• Subcortical volume changes are potential biomarkers for monitoring MS progression and guiding treatment strategies.