Contributions
Abstract: P1020
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 19 Neurodegeneration
Objective: Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we examined chronic stable MS lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) for evidence of progressive tissue destruction during 3-4 years follow-up period and evaluated whether lesional diffusivity change is associated with conventional MRI parameters and clinical findings.
Method: Pre- and post-gadolinium T1, T2 and DTI images were acquired from 55 consecutive RRMS patients. A total of 134 chronic T2 lesions were identified in 43 patients. After adjusting lesion position for brain atrophy, diffusivity parameters were calculated and compared at baseline and follow-up.
Results: A concomitant increase in parallel and perpendicular diffusivity within the “core” of chronic MS lesions was observed. MD increased on average by 3.3% during the follow-up period. In contrast, diffusion in NAWM remained unchanged. Lesional MD change was independent of age or disease duration, total brain lesion volume at baseline or the development of new lesions during follow-up. Individual lesions also showed no association between MD change and lesion size, location and baseline T1-hypointensity. However, there was a significant correlation between brain atrophy and increase in MD during the follow-up period (r=-0.47. p=0.002). A significant gender difference was also observed: the MD change in male patients was almost twice that of female patients (p=0.01).
Interpretation: The significant increase of isotropic water diffusion in the “core” of chronic stable MS lesions observed in our study likely reflects gradual, self-sustained destruction of demyelinated white matter fibers which does contribute significantly to progressive brain atrophy and is more aggressive in males.
Disclosure:
A.Klistorner-nothing to disclose
C. Wang-nothing to disclose
C. Yiannikas-nothing to disclose
M. Barnett-nothing to disclose
J. Parratt-nothing to disclose
Abstract: P1020
Type: Poster
Abstract Category: Pathology and pathogenesis of MS - 19 Neurodegeneration
Objective: Using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), we examined chronic stable MS lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) for evidence of progressive tissue destruction during 3-4 years follow-up period and evaluated whether lesional diffusivity change is associated with conventional MRI parameters and clinical findings.
Method: Pre- and post-gadolinium T1, T2 and DTI images were acquired from 55 consecutive RRMS patients. A total of 134 chronic T2 lesions were identified in 43 patients. After adjusting lesion position for brain atrophy, diffusivity parameters were calculated and compared at baseline and follow-up.
Results: A concomitant increase in parallel and perpendicular diffusivity within the “core” of chronic MS lesions was observed. MD increased on average by 3.3% during the follow-up period. In contrast, diffusion in NAWM remained unchanged. Lesional MD change was independent of age or disease duration, total brain lesion volume at baseline or the development of new lesions during follow-up. Individual lesions also showed no association between MD change and lesion size, location and baseline T1-hypointensity. However, there was a significant correlation between brain atrophy and increase in MD during the follow-up period (r=-0.47. p=0.002). A significant gender difference was also observed: the MD change in male patients was almost twice that of female patients (p=0.01).
Interpretation: The significant increase of isotropic water diffusion in the “core” of chronic stable MS lesions observed in our study likely reflects gradual, self-sustained destruction of demyelinated white matter fibers which does contribute significantly to progressive brain atrophy and is more aggressive in males.
Disclosure:
A.Klistorner-nothing to disclose
C. Wang-nothing to disclose
C. Yiannikas-nothing to disclose
M. Barnett-nothing to disclose
J. Parratt-nothing to disclose