Correlating MR lesions and functional deficits in multiple sclerosis patients. Anatomical atlas registration

Although brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is increasingly being used as an objective outcome measure in treatment trials for multiple sclerosis (MS), findings correlating conventional MR imaging and disabilities in established MS have been inconsistent. In some studies, measures of MR lesion status, such as numbers of lesions or MS lesion load (volume), have shown limited correlations with clinical scores such as the Kurtzke Expanded disability scale (EDSS). Other studies have shown clear correlations between MR findings and measures of disability in MS. Further development of image processing techniques should help elucidate the relationships between MR findings and disease processes in MS.