A brain MRI study of different types of chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
This study was performed to define the pattern of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in chronic-progressive MS (MS).


METHODS
Brain MRIs were obtained for 17 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), 14 with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and 5 with "transitional" progressive MS (TPMS).


RESULTS
Total lesion loads were different for the three groups of patients (p < 0.01). At post-hoc analysis, there was no difference between patients with TPMS and those with PPMS, while both these groups had lesion loads lower than those of patients with SPMS. Patients with PPMS with clinical signs indicating involvement of both brain and spinal cord had greater total lesion loads than those with clinical isolated spinal cord involvement (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that brain MRI patterns of abnormalities are related to the clinical manifestations in patients with chronic-progressive MS.
Filippi
M
M
Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, University of Milan, Italy.
Campi
A
A
Martinelli
V
V
Rodegher
M
M
Scotti
G
G
Canal
N
N
Comi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology