Correlation of cognitive dysfunctions and diffusion tensor MRI measures in subjects with RRMS

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiology
• Neurology

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), impacting attention, memory, and executive functions.
• Neuropsychological assessments are standard for evaluating cognitive deficits.
• Integrating neuroimaging, like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), with neuropsychological testing aims to elucidate the neural basis of MS-related cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies correlating white matter (WM) alterations measured by DTI with cognitive dysfunction in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).
• To understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in RRMS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (2002-2024).
• Inclusion of 34 studies meeting eligibility criteria from an initial pool of 853.
• Focus on studies combining DTI for WM assessment and neuropsychological tests for cognitive evaluation.

Main Results:

• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) identified significant correlations between white matter (WM) alterations and cognitive dysfunction in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) patients.
• WM alterations were observed globally and in specific brain regions, including the corpus callosum, thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, cingulum, and cerebral fascicles.
• These DTI-detected changes were associated with cognitive deficits measured by standardized neuropsychological tests.

Conclusions:

• Integrating DTI and neuropsychological assessments enhances understanding of cognitive impairment in RRMS.
• DTI measures of WM integrity show potential as biomarkers for cognitive dysfunction.
• This combined approach may facilitate early detection and targeted therapies for cognitive preservation in MS.