Atrophied lesion volume is a unique and clinically relevant imaging marker in multiple sclerosis (MS), with particular promise in progressive MS, according to a recent study. A total of 192 patients (18 clinically isolated syndrome, 126 relapsing‐remitting MS, and 48 progressive) received 3T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 5 years. Lesions were quantified at baseline, and new/enlarging lesion volumes were calculated over the study interval. Atrophied lesion volume was calculated by combining baseline lesion masks with follow‐up SIENAX‐derived cerebrospinal fluid partial volume maps. Measures were compared between disease subgroups, and correlations with disability change (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) were evaluated. Researchers found:
Atrophied lesion volume was different between MS subtypes, and exceeded new lesion volume accumulation in progressive MS (298.1 vs 75.5 mm3).
Atrophied lesion volume was the only significant correlate of EDSS change (r = .192 relapsing, r = .317 progressive), and explained significant additional variance when controlling for brain atrophy and new/enlarging lesion volume (R2 .092 vs .045).
Citation:
Dwyer MG, Bergsland N, Ramasamy DP, Jakimovski D, Weinstock-Guttman B, Zivadinov R. Atrophied brain lesion volume: A new imaging biomarker in multiple sclerosis. [Published online ahead of print June 1, 2018]. J Neuroimaging. doi:10.1111/jon.12527.
