[Clinico-computer-tomographic correlations in multiple sclerosis patients]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Disseminated sclerosis (DS) is a chronic neurological disease.
• Understanding brain changes in DS is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Computer tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and nature of brain abnormalities in disseminated sclerosis patients using CT.
• To correlate CT findings with disease phase and duration.

Main Methods:

• Computer-tomographic (CT) head examinations were performed on 115 patients with disseminated sclerosis.
• Pathological signs including ventricle distention, cerebellar volume reduction, and hypodense foci were assessed.
• CT findings were correlated with disease activity (exacerbation vs. remission) and duration (≤5 years vs. >5 years).

Main Results:

• 72% of patients exhibited pathological CT signs, including ventricle and subarachnoid space distention, cerebellar volume loss, and hypodense foci.
• 34 hypodense foci were identified as subclinical.
• Hypodense foci were significantly more frequent during exacerbation than remission.
• Ventricle and subarachnoid space distention occurred twice as often in patients with disease duration >5 years compared to those with ≤5 years.
• Brain affection signs were noted in 3 patients with the spinal form of DS.

Conclusions:

• CT imaging reveals significant brain abnormalities in a majority of disseminated sclerosis patients.
• CT findings demonstrate a clear correlation with disease activity and chronicity.
• CT can aid in assessing disease burden and progression in disseminated sclerosis.