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Preferential Spinal Cord Volume Loss in PPMS
Mult Scler; ePub 2018 May 21; Tsagkas, et al
Spinal cord volume (SCV) loss is a strong predictor of clinical outcomes in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and has shown to be faster and independent of brain MRI metrics compared to relapse-onset MS. This according to a recent longitudinal evaluation of SCV loss in PPMS and its correlation to clinical outcomes, compared to relapse-onset MS subtypes.
A total of 60 MS age-, sex- and disease duration-matched patients (12 PPMS, each 24 relapsing-remitting [RRMS] and secondary progressive MS [SPMS]) were analyzed annually over 6 years of follow-up. The upper cervical SCV was measured on 3D T1-weighted magnetization-prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE) images using a semi-automatic software (CORDIAL), along with the total brain volume (TBV), brain T2 lesion volume (T2LV), and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Researchers found:
- PPMS showed faster SCV loss over time than RRMS and by trend compared with SPMS.
- In contrast to relapse-onset MS, in PPMS SCV, loss progressed independent of TBV and T2LV changes.
- Moreover, in PPMS, SCV was the only MRI measurement associated with EDSS increase over time, as opposed to RRMS and SPMS.
Tsagkas C, Magon S, Gaetano L, et al. Preferential spinal cord volume loss in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. [Published online ahead of print May 21, 2018]. Mult Scler. doi:10.1177/1352458518775006.