Serial analysis of magnetization-transfer histograms and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Magnetization transfer ratio histogram peak height (MTR-HPH) has been shown to correlate with macroscopic and microscopic brain disease in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied the changes in MTR-HPH and in Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores over time in a group of patients with relapsing-remitting MS.


METHODS
Twenty adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS (four men and 16 women) were followed up for a period of 334 to 1313 days. In all, 86 MR imaging studies of the brain were obtained, and MTR-HPH was calculated for each MR examination by using a semiautomated technique. Changes in MTR-HPH were compared between patients over the study's duration. A neurologist specialized in the care of MS patients assessed the EDSS score for each patient as a measure of clinical disability.


RESULTS
Serial MR data showed a subtle but significant decline in MTR-HPH with time. No significant changes in EDSS scores were noted over the same period.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with relapsing-remitting MS have a significant progressive decline in normalized MTR-HPH, which is independent of EDSS score. MTR-HPH measurements can be used to monitor subclinical disease in patients with relapsing-remitting MS over a short time frame of 1 to 4 years. This parameter might be applied in future therapeutic trials to assess its usefulness.
Patel
U J
UJ
Department of Radiology, Florida Community Imaging Centers, Dunedin, USA.
Grossman
R I
RI
Phillips
M D
MD
Udupa
J K
JK
McGowan
J C
JC
Miki
Y
Y
Wei
L
L
Polansky
M
M
van Buchem
M A
MA
Kolson
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity