Spinal cord reserve is associated with multi-dimensional clinical resilience in multiple sclerosis

Spinal canal area (SCaA)-a proxy for maximal lifetime spinal cord growth-has recently been associated with concurrent disability and future worsening in multiple sclerosis (MS). Prior studies focused mainly on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). This study evaluates whether SCaA also relates to broader clinical outcomes.

We performed a retrospective longitudinal study at the Belgian National MS Center. SCaA and spinal cord area (SCoA) were quantified on 714 brain MRI scans from 426 patients with MS using newly developed deep learning models. Two approaches were applied at C2-C3: averaging values across the entire spinal segment (method 1) or across 10 slices centered on the intervertebral disc (method 2). Disability measures included the EDSS, Timed 25‑Foot Walk Test (T25FWT), 9‑Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Associations of SCaA with concurrent disability and longitudinal change were assessed using multivariable regression.

Mean SCaA and SCoA were 209.6 ± 32.9 mm² and 62.7 ± 9.0 mm² (method 1) and 203.5 ± 35.0 mm² and 61.5 ± 9.8 mm² (method 2), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 for SCaA, and 0.97 for SCoA. A larger SCaA was significantly associated with lower concurrent EDSS, T25FWT, and 9HPT, but not with SDMT scores. Smaller SCaA values predicted worsening of EDSS, T25FWT and 9HPT scores after approximately 6 years.

Smaller SCaA is associated with greater clinical disability and future deterioration across multiple functional domains in MS. Our findings support the emerging concept of spinal cord reserve.