In:
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, SAGE Publications, Vol. 17, No. 3 ( 2011-03), p. 319-326
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: We evaluated clinical and conventional MRI features of a large population of patients with non-disabling MS to identify potential markers of a benign disease course. Methods: In seven MAGNIMS centres we retrospectively identified 182 patients with benign (B) MS (EDSS score ≤3.0, disease duration ≥15 years) and 187 patients with non-disabling relapsing–remitting MS (NDRRMS) (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤3.0, disease duration between 5 and 14 years), in whom clinical data were collected within two weeks from a brain T2-weighted scan. Brain T2 lesion volume (LV) was measured in all patients. In 146 BMS and 146 NDRRMS patients, clinical data were also available after a median follow up of 29 months (range: 7–104 months). Results: Mean LV was higher in BMS than in NDRRMS patients ( p 〈 0.001), but the mean ratio between LV and disease duration was higher in NDRRMS than in BMS patients (1.1 vs. 0.6 ml/year, p 〈 0.001). In BMS patients, brain LV was correlated with EDSS score increase at follow up ( r = 0.18, p = 0.03). Conclusions: An overall low rate of brain LV increase during a long-lasting disease course might be a feature of BMS. In BMS patients, a high brain LV might be associated with worsening of locomotor disability at short-term follow up.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1352-4585
,
1477-0970
DOI:
10.1177/1352458510388824
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2008225-3
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