Abstract
Objective: To determine correlation between cross-sectional brain MRI volumes and clinical scores in RRMS patients and to establish whether there is consistency among different brain MRI quantification providers.
Background: Brain volume loss (BVL) is related to physical and cognitive impairment in patients with MS. Automated brain MRI quantification is becoming increasingly available, however, studies use different methods. Further comparison of quantified MRI data and clinical scores is needed, to establish BVL as a monitoring and prognostic marker for individuals with MS.
Design/Methods: This study focused on clinically non-active RRMS patients on disease modifying drugs for at least 6 months. Brain MRI was performed with the same protocol and scanner. Images were quantified by three independent providers. Cross-sectional normalized brain volume (NBV), normalized gray (NGMV) and white matter (NWMV) volumes and T2 lesion volume (T2LV) were measured. Demographic data, medical and treatment history, EDSS, BICAMS, MSFC and MFIS were assessed. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation and ANCOVA were used for data analysis.
Results: Study included 127 RRMS patients, 68.5% women, mean age 38.9 years (9.3, 19 - 60) (SD, range), mean disease duration of 6.9 years (4.6, 0 – 20). Adjusted for age, disease duration and education, significant correlation was found between NBV and EDSS (p=0.001, r=−0.31), NBV and SDMT (p=0.009, r=0.3), NWMV and CVLT (p=0.03; r=0.19), EDSS (p=0.007, r=0.26), MSFC and SDMT; and between T2LV and BVMR (p=0.007; r=−0.25). Correlations were similar among all three providers, but absolute volumes were different, except for the T2LV.
Conclusions: Similarly to previous reports, lower NBV was associated with higher EDSS and lower SDMT scores. Furthermore, lower NWMV were associated to higher EDSS and lower SDMT. Despite significant differences in absolute brain MRI volumes from all three providers, the obtained correlation scores were consistent. Hence, the use of single automated MRI quantification method is recommended for patient follow up.
Study Supported by:
Research project is funded by University Medical Center Maribor and approved by local ethic committee.
Disclosure: Dr. Magdic has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Roche, Biogen. Dr. Špiclin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hojs Fabjan has nothing to disclose.
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