Multi-layer analysis of quantitative 7 T magnetic resonance imaging in the cortex of multiple sclerosis patients reveals pathology associated with disability. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lema Dopico, Alfonso; Choi, Seongjin; Hua, Jun; Li, Xu; Harrison, Daniel M
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 27:Number 13(2021)
• Page Start: 2040
• Page End: 2051
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Multi-layering -- 7 Tesla -- quantitative magnetic resonance imaging -- cortex -- multiple sclerosis; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458521994556
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

Background: Cortical demyelination is a relevant aspect of tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). Microstructural changes may affect each layer in the cortex differently. Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) measurements on cortical layers as clinically accessible biomarkers of grey matter (GM) pathology. Methods: Forty-five participants with MS underwent 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Magnetization prepared two rapid acquisition gradient echoes (MP2RAGE) was processed for T1 -weighted images and a T1 map. Multi-echo gradient echo images were processed for quantitative susceptibility and R2 * maps. Cortical GM volumes were segmented into four cortical layers, and relaxometry metrics were calculated within and between these layers. Results: Significant correlations were found for disability scales and multi-layer metrics, for example, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and peak height (PH) in the subpial (T1 : ρ = −0.372, p < 0.050) and inner (R2 *: ρ = −0.359, p < 0.050) cortical layers. Multivariate regression showed interdependency between atrophy and cortical metrics in some instances, but an independent relationship between cortical metrics and disability in others. Conclusion: Cortical layer 7 T qMRI analyses reveal layer-specific relationships with disability in MS and allow emergence of clinically relevant associations that are hidden when analysing the full cortex.