Review
Clinical Neurology
Massimo Filippi, Paolo Preziosa, Douglas L. Arnold, Frederik Barkhof, Daniel M. Harrison, Pietro Maggi, Caterina Mainero, Xavier Montalban, Elia Sechi, Brian G. Weinshenker, Maria A. Rocca
Summary: The use of MRI in the diagnosis of MS has evolved considerably, with the introduction of the 2017 McDonald criteria and new MRI markers. Artificial intelligence tools may complement human assessment in improving diagnosis and patient classification.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Amir Valizadeh, Mana Moassefi, Elham Barati, Mohammad Ali Sahraian, Faezeh Aghajani, Mohammad-Reza Fattahi
Summary: A meta-analysis of 27 studies involving 1919 participants revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.32 (95% CI 0.26-0.37) between T1 hypointense lesions' mean volume and EDSS score. The correlation was interpreted as low to slightly moderate, with high certainty of evidence.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Christopher Hollen, Lee E. Neilson, Ramon F. Barajas, Ian Greenhouse, Rebecca I. Spain
Summary: Conventional MRI is important for evaluating patients with multiple sclerosis, but its role in detecting the underlying pathophysiology of neurodegeneration is limited. Biomarkers that identify processes underlying neurodegeneration before irreversible damage occurs are needed. Oxidative stress is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis. Non-invasive imaging techniques offer real-time assessment of oxidative stress within the brain, which is an area of unrealized potential.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Jelena Brasanac, Claudia Chien
Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used in multiple sclerosis (MS) to detect chronic and active brain lesions. It is also used to assess brain health through volumetric analysis and advanced imaging techniques. In MS patients, comorbid psychiatric symptoms are common, with depression being the most prevalent. These symptoms, which greatly affect the quality of life, are often overlooked and undertreated. Bidirectional interactions between MS progression and comorbid psychiatric symptoms have been observed, highlighting the importance of investigating and optimizing the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities. New research, aided by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the aging brain, has advanced the prediction of disease states or disability phenotypes.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kelly A. Clark, Abby R. Manning, Luyun Chen, Fang Liu, Quy Cao, Amit Bar-Or, Russell T. Shinohara, Elizabeth Sweeney, Matthew K. Schindler
Summary: This study aimed to identify early MRI features of new multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions that would develop into paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) associated with progressive tissue injury in MS. Contrast-enhancing lesions in MS patients were imaged at 7 T within 4 weeks of observation and 3 and 6 months later. The study found that certain characteristics of early lesions were predictive of subsequent PRL status.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Amy D. De Lury, Joseph A. Bisulca, Jimmy S. Lee, Muhammad D. Altaf, Patricia K. Coyle, Tim Q. Duong
Summary: This systematic review examines the role of deep gray matter (DGM) iron deposition detected by MRI techniques in relation to inflammatory processes in multiple sclerosis (MS). The review finds that DGM iron deposits are independent yet concurrent with demyelination and contribute to cognitive impairment and disability in MS. The variability in iron distribution appears to be influenced by a positive feedback loop between inflammation and iron release by oligodendrocytes. DGM iron shows promise as a prognostic biomarker for MS pathophysiology.
JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Fabio Giuseppe Masuccio, Giulia Gamberini, Massimiliano Calabrese, Claudio Solaro
Summary: The study reveals a link between brain pathology and depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, supporting the hypothesis that structural and functional brain impairment might substantially contribute to the development of depression in these patients. This suggests that depression in multiple sclerosis patients may have a neuro-biological basis and is not merely a consequence of neurological impairment.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Alex Rovira, Fabio M. Doniselli, Cristina Auger, Lukas Haider, Jerome Hodel, Mariasavina Severino, Mike P. Wattjes, Aart J. van der Molen, Bas Jasperse, Carlo A. Mallio, Tarek Yousry, Carlo C. Quattrocchi
Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive technique for detecting inflammatory demyelinating lesions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In clinical practice, MS lesions are mainly detected using T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted sequences. GBCAs should only be used if clinically necessary, due to concerns about gadolinium deposition.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Jerome Hodel, Meike W. Vernooij, Mona K. Beyer, Mariasavina Severino, Xavier Leclerc, Alain Creange, Abir Wahab, Neesmah Badat, Sarah Toledano, Luc van den Hauwe, Ana Ramos, Antonella Castellano, Alexandre Krainik, Tarek Yousry, Alex Rovira
Summary: This study evaluated compliance with recommendations in imaging for multiple sclerosis (MS). The results showed that while MS imaging practices are relatively consistent across Europe, there is still partial adherence to recommendations.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Isabelle Riederer, Mark Muehlau, Claus Zimmer, Magaly Gutbrod-Fernandez, Nico Sollmann, Jan S. Kirschke
Summary: The study found that pre-contrast T1-w imaging does not significantly increase diagnostic confidence or detection rate of contrast-enhancing lesions in spinal cord MRI follow-up exams for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Orcan Alpar, Ondrej Soukup, Pavel Ryska, Radka Dvorakova, Jiri Jandura, Martin Valis, Ondrej Krejcar
Summary: Monitoring and tracking the size and number of MS lesions is crucial in clinical medicine. MRI technology, especially FLAIR sequence, is used to identify the lesions. However, not all MRI scans are continuous or overlapping, leading to gaps between slices and affecting accuracy.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ferdinando Clarelli, Maria Assunta Rocca, Silvia Santoro, Ermelinda De Meo, Laura Ferre, Melissa Sorosina, Filippo Martinelli Boneschi, Federica Esposito, Massimo Filippi
Summary: The study assessed the association between genetic factors and neuroimaging measures in multiple sclerosis patients using gene set analysis and SNP regression analysis, revealing different patterns of associations between types of lesions and functional processes, providing new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MS.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Samuel Lees, Mathew Dicker, Jie En Ku, Varun Chaganti, Matthew Mew-Sum, Nick Wang, Angela Smith, Christopher Oldmeadow, Wooi Lynn Goon, Marc Bevan, Danielle Lang, Madeleine Hinwood
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the relative efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of various DMTs for RRMS, using MRI and neurocognitive outcomes. Randomized controlled trials will be analyzed to guide treatment decisions for RRMS.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Jacopo Pasquini, Michael J. Firbank, Roberto Ceravolo, Vincenzo Silani, Nicola Pavese
Summary: This review summarizes the literature on the application of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) in multiple system atrophy (MSA), focusing on microstructural abnormalities, diagnostic applications, and pathophysiological correlates. The studies included in this review identified widespread microstructural abnormalities in white matter, especially in specific brain regions. Gray matter degeneration and its involvement in subcortical structures were also observed. Diagnostic applications of dMRI, particularly for differentiating MSA parkinsonism from Parkinson's disease, showed promising results with high diagnostic accuracy using machine learning algorithms. Additionally, some studies explored the clinical correlates of microstructural abnormalities, highlighting links with motor, ocular, and cognitive impairments. However, the correct diagnosis of MSA in the early stages and further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying microstructural abnormalities are still challenging.
MOVEMENT DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Loredana Storelli, Elisabetta Pagani, Alessandro Meani, Paolo Preziosa, Massimo Filippi, Maria A. Rocca
Summary: The study suggests that advanced diffusion-weighted imaging techniques can accurately detect white matter atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis, providing more specific information than traditional methods that only measure volume and diffusion. Additionally, measures such as voxel-wise fiber-bundle cross-section and intra-cellular volume obtained at baseline are better predictors of clinical disability and cognitive impairment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)