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Vascular risk factors' impact on motor performance and sensorimotor network structural integrity in multiple
Matteo Albergoni1, Paolo Preziosa2, Gloria Ritroso1
1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Vascular risk factors (VRFs) are associated with diffuse brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated VRFs' impact on motor performance and sensorimotor network (SMN) structural integrity in MS patients.
Methods:
In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 268 MS patients and 180 healthy controls were classified according to VRF presence (VRF[+]) or absence (VRF[-]). Clinical measures included Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-Foot Walk test, and 9-Hole Peg Test. SMN integrity was assessed using white matter lesion volumes, cortical thickness of primary motor and somatosensory cortices, normalized deep gray matter volume (NDGMV), anterior (ACMA) and posterior cerebellar motor area volumes, mean upper cervical cord area, and diffusion metrics of the middle and superior cerebellar peduncles, medial lemniscus (ML), and corticospinal tracts. Group differences and MS-VRF interactions were examined. In MS, associations between clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures were explored, focusing on VRF influence.
Results:
MS-VRF[+] patients showed higher EDSS scores and worse motor performance than MS-VRF[-] (false discovery rate p value [pFDR] ⩽ 0.004). Significant MS-VRF interactions were observed for motor performance, ML mean diffusivity, NDGMV, and ACMA volumes (pFDR ⩽ 0.039). In MS, EDSS was associated with the VRF × ML fractional anisotropy interaction term (β = 1.931, p = 0.042).
Conclusions:
VRFs may contribute to increased disability, motor impairment, and region-specific SMN structural damage in MS patients.
Insights
Vascular risk factors (VRFs) worsen motor function and sensorimotor network (SMN) damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Identifying these factors is crucial for managing MS disability and progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Vascular risk factors (VRFs) are linked to diffuse brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- The specific impact of VRFs on motor performance and sensorimotor network (SMN) integrity in MS patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of vascular risk factors (VRFs) on motor performance.
- To assess the effect of VRFs on sensorimotor network (SMN) structural integrity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 268 MS patients and 180 controls, classified by VRF presence.
- Clinical assessments included EDSS, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and 9-Hole Peg Test.
- SMN integrity evaluated using MRI measures: lesion volume, cortical thickness, gray matter volume, cerebellar volumes, cervical cord area, and diffusion metrics of key tracts.
Main Results:
- MS patients with VRFs (MS-VRF[+]) exhibited higher EDSS scores and poorer motor function compared to those without (MS-VRF[-]).
- Significant interactions between MS and VRFs were found for motor performance, ML mean diffusivity, NDGMV, and ACMA volumes.
- In MS patients, EDSS scores correlated with the VRF x ML fractional anisotropy interaction.
Conclusions:
- Vascular risk factors may exacerbate disability and motor impairments in MS patients.
- VRFs are associated with region-specific structural damage within the sensorimotor network in MS.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing vascular health in MS care.
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