Corpus callosum texture analysis: a different perspective approach for diagnosing multiple sclerosis

This study aims to investigate microstructural changes in the corpus callosum (CC) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using texture analysis (TA), even in the absence of visible lesions on conventional MRI, and to assess its diagnostic value in distinguishing patients from healthy controls.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on midsagittal T2-weighted MRI scans of 54 MS patients without CC lesions and 50 healthy controls. Histogram-based texture analysis was performed using MATLAB software, and statistical evaluations were conducted with SPSS version 25. Texture parameters were compared between groups, and a logistic regression model was developed to predict MS diagnosis. Given that our study involves a retrospective radiology analysis, obtaining consent forms is not necessary.

Statistically significant differences were found between MS patients and controls in most histogram-derived texture features, including mean, median, standard deviation, and multiple percentiles (p < 0.001). The logistic regression model incorporating selected parameters achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 94.23%, successfully identifying patients with MS despite the absence of radiologically visible lesions.

Texture analysis of the CC can detect subtle tissue changes in MS patients, offering a promising, non-invasive method for early diagnosis. These findings highlight the potential of TA as a complementary imaging tool in MS diagnostics and warrant further research in larger populations.