Contributions
Abstract: 267
Type: Scientific Session
Abstract Category: N/A
The recent development of computational methods that, using conventional MR images, are able to provide sensitive and reproducible measures of brain volumes has allowed an indirect quantification of cerebral tissue loss in many neurologic disorders. These methods have been extensively used in the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), increasing the interest in cerebral tissue loss (brain atrophy) as a marker to accurately assess and monitor the pathologic evolution of the disease. Indeed, they have shown that brain volume loss occurs since the earliest stages of MS, accumulates throughout the course of MS and appears to be correlated with physical disability and cognitive impairment. Interestingly, several recent studies have shown that the accumulation of brain volume loss can be reduced in patients with relapsing MS under specific pharmacological treatments. We will discuss these recent results, paying particular attention to the clinical relevance of global and regional volume losses, and the potential limitations of these measurements when they are used at the individual patient level.
Disclosure: N De Stefano has received honoraria from Biogen-Idec, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Novartis, Roche and Teva for consulting services, speaking and travel support. He serves on advisory boards for Merck Serono, Novartis, Biogen-Idec, Roche, and Genzyme, he has received research grant support from the Italian MS Society.
Abstract: 267
Type: Scientific Session
Abstract Category: N/A
The recent development of computational methods that, using conventional MR images, are able to provide sensitive and reproducible measures of brain volumes has allowed an indirect quantification of cerebral tissue loss in many neurologic disorders. These methods have been extensively used in the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), increasing the interest in cerebral tissue loss (brain atrophy) as a marker to accurately assess and monitor the pathologic evolution of the disease. Indeed, they have shown that brain volume loss occurs since the earliest stages of MS, accumulates throughout the course of MS and appears to be correlated with physical disability and cognitive impairment. Interestingly, several recent studies have shown that the accumulation of brain volume loss can be reduced in patients with relapsing MS under specific pharmacological treatments. We will discuss these recent results, paying particular attention to the clinical relevance of global and regional volume losses, and the potential limitations of these measurements when they are used at the individual patient level.
Disclosure: N De Stefano has received honoraria from Biogen-Idec, Genzyme, Merck Serono, Novartis, Roche and Teva for consulting services, speaking and travel support. He serves on advisory boards for Merck Serono, Novartis, Biogen-Idec, Roche, and Genzyme, he has received research grant support from the Italian MS Society.