Cortical ischemic lesions from atrial myxoma as a mimic of disease activity in an RRMS antiCD20-treated patient.

Cortical lesions (CLs) detected with double inversion recovery (DIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very helpful in differentiating multiple sclerosis (MS) from other neuroinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), that is, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs). Furthermore, CLs are closely related to motor and cognitive impairment. We report a case of a 48-year-old female MS patient who developed several CLs during anti-CD20 therapy. Some CLs disappeared during follow-up MRIs. In the suspicion of a treatment failure, the screening for the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) was performed with the evidence of an atrial myxoma. In MS patients with new CLs, a comorbid ischemic pathology should be considered and carefully investigated.

Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: The impact of different MSISQ-19 cut-offs on prevalence and associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Although multiple sclerosis (MS) Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) is a widely applied tool, no unique definition of sexual dysfunction (SD) based on its score exists. OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of different MSISQ-19 cut-offs on SD prevalence and associated risk factors, providing relevant information for its application in research and clinical settings. METHODS: After defining SD according to two different MSISQ-19 cut-offs in 1155 people with MS (pwMS), we evaluated SD prevalence and association with sociodemographic and clinical features, mood status and disability via logistic regression. RESULTS: Depending on the chosen cut-off, 45% to 54% of pwMS reported SD. SD defined as MSISQ-19 score >30 was predicted by age (OR=1.01, p=0.047), cognition (OR=0.96, p=0.004) and anxiety (OR=1.03, p=0.019). SD defined as a score >3 on any MSISQ-19 item was predicted by motor disability (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and cognition (OR= 0.96, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Applying different MSISQ-19 cut-offs influences both the estimated prevalence and the identification of risk factors for SD, a finding that should be considered during study planning and data interpretation. Preserved cognition exerts a protective effect towards SD regardless from the specific study setting, representing a key point for the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Profiling cognitive-motor interference in a large sample of persons with progressive multiple sclerosis and impaired processing speed: results from the CogEx study.

BACKGROUND: Performing cognitive-motor dual tasks (DTs) may result in reduced walking speed and cognitive performance. The effect in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis (pwPMS) having cognitive dysfunction is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To profile DT-performance during walking in cognitively impaired pwPMS and examine DT-performance by disability level. METHODS: Secondary analyses were conducted on baseline data from the CogEx-study. Participants, enrolled with Symbol Digit Modalities Test 1.282 standard deviations below normative value, performed a cognitive single task ([ST], alternating alphabet), motor ST (walking) and DT (both). Outcomes were number of correct answers on the alternating alphabet task, walking speed, and DT-cost (DTC: decline in performance relative to the ST). Outcomes were compared between EDSS subgroups (≤ 4, 4.5-5.5, ≥ 6). Spearman correlations were conducted between the DTCmotor with clinical measures. Adjusted significance level was 0.01. RESULTS: Overall, participants (n = 307) walked slower and had fewer correct answers on the DT versus ST (both p < 0.001), with a DTCmotor of 15.8% and DTCcognitive of 2.7%. All three subgroups walked slower during the DT versus ST, with DTCmotor different from zero (p's < 0.001). Only the EDSS ≥ 6 group had fewer correct answers on the DT versus ST (p < 0.001), but the DTCcognitive did not differ from zero for any of the groups (p ≥ 0.039). CONCLUSION: Dual tasking substantially affects walking performance in cognitively impaired pwPMS, to a similar degree for EDSS subgroups.

Risk of multiple sclerosis relapses when switching from fingolimod to cell-depleting agents: the role of washout duration.

BACKGROUND: Fingolimod (FTY) induces sequestration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs and the average lymphocyte recovery following discontinuation takes 1-2 months. It has been hypothesized that the therapeutic effects of subsequent cell-depleting agents may be compromised if initiated before lymphocyte recovery has occurred. OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of relapses following FTY discontinuation and the initiation of a B/T cell-depleting agent in relation to washout duration using data from the Italian MS Register. METHODS: The risk of relapses was assessed in relation to different washout durations (< 6, 6-11, 12-17 and > / = 18 weeks) in patients starting alemtuzumab, rituximab, ocrelizumab or cladribine following FTY discontinuation. RESULTS: We included 329 patients in the analysis (226F, 103 M; mean age 41 ± 10 years). During the cell-depleting treatment, the incidence rate ratio for a relapse was significantly greater in patients with a washout period of 12-17 and > / = 18 weeks compared to the reference period (< 6 weeks). The risk of a relapse was significantly influenced by the occurrence of relapses during FTY treatment and by washout length, with hazard ratios markedly increasing with the washout duration. CONCLUSION: The risk of relapses increases with the washout duration when switching from FTY to lymphocyte-depleting agents.

Personalizing ocrelizumab treatment in Multiple Sclerosis: What can we learn from Sars-Cov2 pandemic?

During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we adopted a personalized delayed protocol for ocrelizumab infusions in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) patients according to the national recommendations. Out of the 83 RRMS patients whose infusion was scheduled between March and December 2020, 56 patients experienced a delay in treatment based on MS severity and SARS-CoV2 infection risk profile. In most cases, the immunophenotype was performed monthly to guide re-infusions. Specifically, B CD19 + cells repopulation rate was monitored. Mean infusion delay was 103,1 [SD 40,6] days, and none of the patients presented relapses or active disease at MRI at the end of the observation period. Treatment naïve status and the interval between immunophenotyping and the last ocrelizumab infusion were predictors of earlier B CD19 + cells repopulation. Two patients contracted SARS-CoV2 with complete recovery. Definitive data about Sars-Cov2 vaccine efficacy in patients treated with ocrelizumab are still lacking. Our findings suggest that a personalized treatment with a delayed infusion schedule does not compromise ocrelizumab short-term efficacy and may help to lengthen the therapeutic window for an effective response to SARS-CoV2 vaccine.

Assessing upper limb function in multiple sclerosis using an engineered glove.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The importance of upper limb function in multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized, especially for the evaluation of patients with progressive MS with reduced mobility. Two sensor-engineered gloves, able to measure quantitatively the timing of finger opposition movements, were previously used to assess upper limb disability in MS. The aims of the present study were: (1) to confirm the association between glove-derived variables and standard measures of MS disability in a larger cohort; (2) to assess the correlation with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quality of life (QoL) measures; and (3) to determine if the glove-derived variables offer advantages over the standard measure for assessing upper limb function in MS, namely, the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). METHODS: Sixty-five patients with MS, stable on disease-modifying treatment, were evaluated at baseline using the glove, and through clinical examination (Expanded Disability Status Scale, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Timed 25-Foot Walk Test and 9HPT), MRI evaluation and QoL questionnaires. Correlations between the glove-derived variables and clinical, MRI and QoL variables were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis. RESULTS: Glove-derived variables significantly differed between patients with relapsing-remitting and those with progressive MS, with similar or slightly higher correlations of the 9HPT with clinical variables. We found greater correlations of the QoL physical component with glove-derived variables than with the 9HPT, and a significant correlation of its mental component with the glove-derived variables but not with the 9HPT. CONCLUSION: The study results, confirming previous findings and showing advantages over the 9HPT, encourage the investigation of sensitivity to change in glove-derived variables in a longitudinal setting.

Aggressive multiple sclerosis: a single-centre, real-world treatment experience with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and alemtuzumab.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The best therapeutic approach for aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis remains unknown. The objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) and alemtuzumab in aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. METHODS: The time to first relapse, time to confirmed disability worsening, time to first evidence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity and time to first evidence of disease activity were compared between the two treatment groups. Secondary outcomes included the 12, 24 and 36 month annualized relapse rate (ARR) and the 6-month confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) changes at months 12 and 24. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients treated with aHSCT (n = 25) or alemtuzumab (n = 32) were included. At baseline, aHSCT patients had a higher EDSS (median score 6 vs. 3; P < 0.001), higher ARR (mean ARR 3.2 vs. 1.7; P = 0.001) and a higher number of baseline T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI (mean number 15.5 vs. 1.6; P < 0.001). NEDA-3 (no evidence of disease activity) status was more frequently achieved in aHSCT-treated patients than in alemtuzumab-treated patients [75% vs. 56% of patients at the end of the observation period; hazard ratio (HR) 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-0.84; P = 0.023]. aHSCT significantly reduced the risk of relapse (relapse-free survival 84% vs. 69%; HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.63; P = 0.012) and MRI activity (MRI-activity-free survival 85% vs. 59%; HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.59; P = 0.009). The ARR at 36 months was significantly lower in the aHSCT group (0.05 vs. 0.35, P = 0.02). A significant effect of aHSCT in promoting EDSS improvement compared with alemtuzumab was noted (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Alemtuzumab and aHSCT are effective treatment choices for aggressive multiple sclerosis. aHSCT seems to be superior to alemtuzumab in inducing complete disease control and in promoting short-term disability improvement.

Streamline density and lesion volume reveal a postero-anterior gradient of corpus callosum damage in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although interhemispheric disconnection significantly contributes to disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), the topography, timeline and relationship of callosal damage accrual with hemispheric damage are still unclear. METHODS: Streamline density and the presence of focal lesions in five callosal subregions were computed in 55 people with MS [13 relapsing-remitting (RRMS), 20 secondary progressive (SPMS), 22 primary progressive (PPMS)] and 24 healthy controls. RESULTS: Streamline density decrease was identified in SPMS in all corpus callosum (CC) subregions, in PPMS in the posterior CC and mid-posterior CC and in RRMS in the posterior CC. CC density was independently predicted by CC lesion volume and hemispheric lesion volume and independently predicted visuospatial memory, Expanded Disability Status Scale, manual dexterity and ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in CC density across phenotypes suggests an earlier involvement of the posterior regions, followed only at a later stage by involvement of the anterior portions of the CC. Such interhemispheric disconnection seems to develop as a consequence of white matter macroscopic damage and exerts a relevant impact on motor and, to a lesser extent, cognitive disability.

Preserved brain functional plasticity after upper limb task-oriented rehabilitation in progressive multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Limited research has been dedicated to upper limb (UL) rehabilitation in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). The objective in this pilot study was to investigate the effect of task-oriented UL rehabilitation in PMS and to perform explorative analyses of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlates of changes in motor performance. METHODS: Twenty-six PMS patients with mild UL impairment were prospectively enrolled and randomized into two groups: an active treatment group (ATG, n = 13) and a passive treatment group (PTG, n = 13). At baseline and after training, patients underwent MRI scans with structural and functional imaging and were evaluated with the action research arm test, the nine-hole peg test, the ABILHAND scale and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS). Measures of motor finger performance were obtained by engineered glove measuring. RESULTS: After rehabilitation, the ATG improved in several finger motor tasks (0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.03, 0.72 ≤ Cohen's d ≤ 1.22) and showed reduced MFIS scores compared with the PTG (P = 0.03). The ATG showed increased functional connectivity within the cerebellar and thalamic resting state networks compared with the PTG (P < 0.05). Correlations were found between several measures of motor improvement and thalamic and sensorimotor networks (0.87 ≤ r ≤ 0.93, 0.001 ≤ P ≤ 0.03). No changes in cerebral volumes and diffusion tensor imaging derived measures were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive multiple sclerosis patients with mild UL dysfunction benefit from task-oriented UL rehabilitation, which seems to be more efficient than simple passive mobilization. Despite a high burden of disability and brain damage, functional adaptive capacities seem to be preserved, thus providing a rationale for the use of rehabilitative treatments in late PMS.

Axonal water fraction as marker of white matter injury in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffuse white matter (WM) injury is prominent in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PP-MS) pathology and is a potential biomarker of disease progression. Diffusion kurtosis imaging allows the quantification of non-Gaussian water diffusion, providing metrics with high WM pathological specificity. The aim of this study was to characterize the pathological changes occurring in the normal-appearing WM of patients with PP-MS at baseline and at 1-year follow-up and to assess their impact on disability and short-term disease progression. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with PP-MS and 20 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Diffusion kurtosis imaging single-shot echo-planar imaging (EPI) was acquired on a 3-T scanner (Philips Achieva, Best, The Netherlands) (voxel size, 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 , 30 directions for each b-value = 1000, 2000 s/mm2 and one b = 0 s/mm2 ). A two-compartment biophysical model of WM tract integrity was used to derive spatial maps of axonal water fraction (AWF), intra-axonal diffusivity, extra-axonal axial and radial diffusivities (De,axial , De,radial ) and tortuosity from the following WM tracts: corpus callosum (CC), corticospinal tract (CST) and posterior thalamic radiation (PTR). RESULTS: At baseline, patients with PP-MS showed a widespread decrease of AWF, tortuosity and De,axial and an increase of De,radial in CC, CST and PTR (P ranging from 0.001 to 0.036). At 1-year follow-up, a significant AWF decrease was detected in the body of CC (P = 0.048), PTR (P = 0.008) and CST (P = 0.044). Baseline AWF values in CST significantly discriminated progressed from non-progressed patients (P = 0.021; area under the curve, 0.854). CONCLUSION: Based on its change over time and its relationship with disease progression, among the analyzed metrics, AWF seems the most sensitive metric of WM tissue damage in PP-MS and therefore it could be considered as a marker for monitoring disease progression.

Clinical translation of [18F]ICMT-11 for measuring chemotherapy-induced caspase 3/7 activation in breast and lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Effective anticancer therapy is thought to involve induction of tumour cell death through apoptosis and/or necrosis. [18F]ICMT-11, an isatin sulfonamide caspase-3/7-specific radiotracer, has been developed for PET imaging and shown to have favourable dosimetry, safety, and biodistribution. We report the translation of [18F]ICMT-11 PET to measure chemotherapy-induced caspase-3/7 activation in breast and lung cancer patients receiving first-line therapy. RESULTS: Breast tumour SUVmax of [18F]ICMT-11 was low at baseline and unchanged following therapy. Measurement of M30/M60 cytokeratin-18 cleavage products showed that therapy was predominantly not apoptosis in nature. While increases in caspase-3 staining on breast histology were seen, post-treatment caspase-3 positivity values were only approximately 1%; this low level of caspase-3 could have limited sensitive detection by [18F]ICMT-11-PET. Fourteen out of 15 breast cancer patients responded to first-line chemotherapy (complete or partial response); one patient had stable disease. Four patients showed increases in regions of high tumour [18F]ICMT-11 intensity on voxel-wise analysis of tumour data (classed as PADS); response was not exclusive to patients with this phenotype. In patients with lung cancer, multi-parametric [18F]ICMT-11 PET and MRI (diffusion-weighted- and dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI) showed that PET changes were concordant with cell death in the absence of significant perfusion changes. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential use of [18F]ICMT-11 PET as a promising candidate for non-invasive imaging of caspase3/7 activation, and the difficulties encountered in assessing early-treatment responses. We summarize that tumour response could occur in the absence of predominant chemotherapy-induced caspase-3/7 activation measured non-invasively across entire tumour lesions in patients with breast and lung cancer.

Looking into cognitive impairment in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognitive impairment in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PP-MS) is correlated with global brain atrophy. Unfortunately, brain volume computation requires processing resources that are not widely available in clinical practice. Therefore, we decided to test the predictive role of retinal atrophy metrics on cognitive decline, applying them as a proxy of gray matter atrophy in PP-MS. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with PP-MS completed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging. We tested, through a stepwise logistic regression, whether OCT metrics [retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and total macular volume] predicted cognitive impairment and explored the role of gray matter atrophy in mediating these correlations. RESULTS: Among OCT metrics, only GCIPL was associated with cognitive impairment (rp = 0.448, P = 0.036) and predictive of objective cognitive impairment (Wald [1] = 4.40, P = 0.036). Controlling for demographics, normalized brain volume and thalamic volume were correlated with GCIPL (rp = 0.427, P = 0.047 and rp = 0.674, P = 0.001, respectively) and cognitive scores (rp = 0.593, P = 0.004 and rp = 0.501, P = 0.017, respectively), with thalamic volume nearly mediating the association between GCIPL and cognition (Sobel z = 1.86, P = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS: The GCIPL thickness is a suitable measure of neurodegeneration. In comparison with brain atrophy, GCIPL offers higher histopathological specificity, being a pure correlate of neuronal loss, and may be a non-invasive, easy-to-perform way to quantitatively evaluate and monitor neuronal loss related to cognitive impairment in PP-MS.

Upper motor neuron evaluation in multiple sclerosis patients treated with Sativex®.

BACKGROUND: Spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) results from an imbalance of inputs from descending pathways to the spinal motor circuits, as well as from a damage of the corticospinal tract (CST). OBJECTIVES: To assess CST impairment in MS patients with and without spasticity and to evaluate its evolution under Sativex® treatment. METHODS: Ten MS patients with spasticity ("cases") underwent clinical (EDSS, 9-hole Peg, Ashworth scale, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and NRS for spasticity), MRI (CST fractional anisotropy [FA]), and electrophysiological (central motor conduction time [CMCT] and H/M ratio) evaluations at baseline and after 12 months. We selected 20 MS patients without spasticity as control group at baseline. RESULTS: At baseline, cases showed a lower CST FA (0.492±0.045 vs 0.543±0.047; P=.01) and a higher CMCT (P=.001) compared to the control group. No correlations were found between clinical, electrophysiological, and MRI features. After 12 months, cases showed a decrease in non-prevalent degree of impairment (PDI) side FA (0.502±0.023 vs 0.516±0.033; P=.01) without differences for electrophysiological features compared to baseline. Treatment with Sativex® resulted in a reduction of NRS for spasticity (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the presence of CST impairment in MS patients with spasticity. We did not identify structural/electrophysiological correlates that could explain Sativex® clinical effect.

Emerging Concern from Short-Term Textile Leaching: A Preliminary Ecotoxicological Survey.

Textile dyes and their residues gained growing attention worldwide. Textile industry is a strong water consumer potentially releasing xenobiotics from washing and rinsing procedures during finishing processes. On a decentralised basis, also final consumers generate textile waste streams. Thus, a procedure simulating home washing with tap water screened cotton textiles leachates (n = 28) considering physico-chemical (COD, BOD5, and UV absorbance) and ecotoxicological data (Daphnia magna, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Lepidium sativum). Results evidenced that: (i) leachates presented low biodegradability levels; (ii) toxicity in more than half leachates presented slight acute or acute effects; (iii) the remaining leachates presented "no effect" suggesting the use of green dyes/additives, and/or well established finishing processes; (iv) no specific correlations were found between traditional physico-chemical and ecotoxicological data. Further investigations will be necessary to identify textile residues, and their potential interactions with simulated human sweat in order to evidence potential adverse effects on human health.

Abnormal functional-structural cingulum connectivity in mania: combined functional magnetic resonance imaging-diffusion tensor imaging investigation in different phases of bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) in the cingulum in bipolar disorder (BD) and its various phases. METHOD: We combined resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and probabilistic tractographic diffusion tensor imaging to investigate FC and SC of the cingulum and its portions, the SC-FC relationship, and their correlations with clinical and neurocognitive measures on sustained attention in manic (n = 21), depressed (n = 20), and euthymic (n = 20) bipolar patients and healthy controls (HC) (n = 42). RESULTS: First, we found decreased FC between the anterior and posterior parts of the cingulum in manic patients when compared to depressed patients and HC. Second, we observed decreased SC of the cingulum bundle, particularly in its anterior part, in manic patients when compared to HC. Finally, alterations in the cingulum FC (but not SC) correlated with clinical severity scores while changes in the cingulum SC (but not FC) were related with neurocognitive deficits in sustained attention in BD. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate for the first time a reduction in FC and concomitantly in SC of the cingulum in mania, which correlated with psychopathological and neurocognitive parameters, respectively, in BD. This supports the central role of cingulum connectivity specifically in mania.

Digital ulcers in scleroderma patients: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The guidelines for digital ulcers (DUs) management in systemic sclerosis (SSc) indicate the use of iloprost to induce wound healing and bosentan to prevent the onset of new DU. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the combination treatment may surmount the effect of the single drug. METHODS: We analyzed data regarding 34 patients with SSc and at least one active DU persisting despite 6 months of iloprost therapy, and treated for other 6 months with a combination therapy, i.e. iloprost plus bosentan. RESULTS: Overall, patients initially presented 69 DUs (58 on the fingers and 11 on the legs). At the end of the study 34 (49.3%) DUs were completely healed (responding, R), 18 (26.1%) started the healing process (partially responding, PR), and 17 (24.6%) did not respond (NR) to therapy. No new DU was recorded and the ulcers localized on the legs did not respond to the combination therapy. Finally, data have been analyzed by dividing the patients in two groups according to the fibrosis level on the finger. In the group with mild fibrosis, 83.4% of DUs resulted with showing complete healing while, in the group with severe fibrosis, only 18% of DUs were healed (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The treatment with iloprost plus bosentan is effective in determining healing of DUs in SSc patients with mild digital skin fibrosis. Conversely, the severity of skin fibrosis strongly influences the healing process of DUs. The study confirmed the efficacy of bosentan to prevent onset of new DUs.

Ultra-High-Field MRI Visualization of Cortical Multiple Sclerosis Lesions with T2 and T2*: A Postmortem MRI and Histopathology Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: At 7T MR imaging, T2*-weighted gradient echo has been shown to provide high-resolution anatomic images of gray matter lesions. However, few studies have verified T2*WI lesions histopathologically or compared them with more standard techniques at ultra-high-field strength. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity of T2WI and T2*WI sequences for detecting cortical GM lesions in MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 7T, 2D multiecho spin-echo T2WI and 3D gradient-echo T2*WI were acquired from 27 formalin-fixed coronal hemispheric brain sections of 15 patients and 4 healthy controls. Proteolipid-stained tissue sections (8 µm) were matched to the corresponding MR images, and lesions were manually scored on both MR imaging sequences (blinded to histopathology) and tissue sections (blinded to MR imaging). The sensitivity of MR imaging sequences for GM lesion types and white matter lesions was calculated. An unblinded retrospective scoring was also performed. RESULTS: If all cortical GM lesions were taken into account, the T2WI sequence detected slightly more lesions than the T2*WI sequence: 28% and 16%, respectively (P = .054). This difference disappeared when only intracortical lesions were considered. When histopathologic information (type, location) was revealed to the reader, the sensitivity went up to 84% (T2WI) and 85% (T2*WI) (not significant). Furthermore, the false-positive rate was 8.6% for the T2WI and 10.5% for the T2*WI sequence. CONCLUSIONS: There is no strong advantage of the T2*WI sequence compared with a conventional T2WI sequence in the detection of cortical lesions at 7T. Retrospectively, a high percentage of lesions could be detected with both sequences. However, many lesions are still missed prospectively. This could possibly be minimized with better a priori observer training.

Neural correlates of ankle movements during different motor tasks: A feasibility study.

This ongoing study investigates the neural correlates of ankle dorsi-plantar flexion in active, passive, and proprioceptive tasks. Specifically, we investigated two proprioceptive matching tasks that required a simple combination of active and passive ankle movements: (1) a memory-based ipsilateral matching task and (2) a contralateral concurrent matching task. As expected, during the passive tasks, subjects recruited the same brain areas involved in the correspondent active movements (primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PM) supplementary motor cortex (SMA) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1)), but the activations were lower. Instead, in both the proprioceptive matching tasks, subjects recruited more motor and sensory-motor areas of the brain and the activations were greater.

Non-Gaussian diffusion MRI of gray matter is associated with cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Non-Gaussian diffusion imaging by using diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) allows assessment of isotropic tissue as of gray matter (GM), an important limitation of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we describe DKI and DTI metrics of GM in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their association with cognitive deficits. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 17 controls underwent MRI on a 3T scanner including a sequence for DKI with 30 diffusion directions and 3b values for each direction. Mean kurtosis (MK), mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy (FA) of cortical and subcortical GM were measured using histogram analysis. Spearman rank correlations were used to characterize associations among imaging measures and clinical/neuropsychological scores. RESULTS: In cortical GM, a significant decrease of MK (0.68 vs. 0.73; p < 0.001) and increase of FA (0.16 vs. 0.13; p < 0.001) was found in patients compared to controls. Decreased cortical MK was correlated with poor performance on the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System test (r = 0.66, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Mean kurtosis is sensitive to abnormality in GM of MS patients and can provide information that is complementary to that of conventional DTI-derived metrics. The association between MK and cognitive deficits suggests that DKI might serve as a clinically relevant biomarker for cortical injury.

A better characterization of spinal cord damage in multiple sclerosis: a diffusional kurtosis imaging study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The spinal cord is a site of predilection for MS lesions. While diffusion tensor imaging is useful for the study of anisotropic systems such as WM tracts, it is of more limited utility in tissues with more isotropic microstructures (on the length scales studied with diffusion MR imaging) such as gray matter. In contrast, diffusional kurtosis imaging, which measures both Gaussian and non-Gaussian properties of water diffusion, provides more biomarkers of both anisotropic and isotropic structural changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the cervical spinal cord of patients with MS and to characterize lesional and normal-appearing gray matter and WM damage by using diffusional kurtosis imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (13 women, mean age = 41.1 ± 10.7 years) and 16 controls (7 women, mean age = 35.6 ± 11.2-years) underwent MR imaging of the cervical spinal cord on a 3T scanner (T2 TSE, T1 magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition of gradient echo, diffusional kurtosis imaging, T2 fast low-angle shot). Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and mean kurtosis were measured on the whole cord and in normal-appearing gray matter and WM. RESULTS: Spinal cord T2-hyperintense lesions were identified in 18 patients. Whole spinal cord fractional anisotropy and mean kurtosis (P = .0009, P = .003), WM fractional anisotropy (P = .01), and gray matter mean kurtosis (P = .006) were significantly decreased, and whole spinal cord mean diffusivity (P = .009) was increased in patients compared with controls. Mean spinal cord area was significantly lower in patients (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusional kurtosis imaging of the spinal cord can provide a more comprehensive characterization of lesions and normal-appearing WM and gray matter damage in patients with MS. Diffusional kurtosis imaging can provide additional and complementary information to DTI on spinal cord pathology.