McGill University
McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute

Author Of 2 Presentations

Imaging Oral Presentation

PS07.03 - Predicting disability progression and cognitive worsening in multiple sclerosis with gray matter network measures 

Speakers
Presentation Number
PS07.03
Presentation Topic
Imaging
Lecture Time
13:15 - 13:27

Abstract

Background

In multiple sclerosis (MS), MRI measures at a whole and regional brain level have proven able to predict future disability, albeit to a limited degree. Their modest prognostic ability may reflect how cognitive and neurological functions are served by distributed networks rather than by single brain regions.

Objectives

We aimed to identify data-driven MRI network-based measures of covarying gray matter (GM) volumes that can predict disability progression.

Methods

We used baseline MRI and longitudinal clinical data from 988 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial (ASCEND). We applied spatial-ICA to baseline structural GM probability maps to identify co-varying GM regions. We computed correlations between the loading of our ICA components and expanded disability status scale (EDSS), 9 hole peg test (9HPT), and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) scores. We estimated the progression of the EDSS confirmed at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and respectively the 20% and 10% worsening of 9HPT and SDMT. We used Cox proportional hazard models to determine the prognostic value of our ICA-components and conventional MRI measures (whole and deep GM volumes, and white matter lesion load).

Results

We identified 15 networks of co-varying GM patterns that were clinically relevant. At baseline, SDMT and 9HPT scores correlated more strongly with ICA-components than the conventional MRI measures. The highest correlations were with a mainly basal ganglia component (encompassing the thalamus, caudate, putamen, frontal and temporal lobe). EDSS correlated more closely with an ICA-component involving cerebellum, brainstem, temporal and parietal lobes (r= -0.11, p<0.001). Prognostically, the baseline volume of caudate predicted EDSS progression confirmed at 3 months (HR= 0.81, 95%CI [0.68: 0.98], p<0.05), while some GM network-based measures outperformed conventional MRI measures in predicting SDMT and 9HPT worsening. SDMT progression was predicted by 6 ICA-components (component 8 (HR= 1.26, 95% CI [1.08-1.48], p< 0.005, and component 13 (HR= 1.25, 95% CI [1.07:1.46], p<0.005)). Two ICA-components were predictors of 9HPT worsening (HR=1.30, 95% CI [1.06:1.60], p<0.01; and HR= 1.21, 95%CI [1.01:1.45], p<0.05).

Conclusions

Data-driven MRI network-based measures of covarying GM volumes predict disability progression better than volumetric measures of GM and white matter lesion loads. ICA of MRI shows promise as a method that could enrich clinical MS studies with patients more likely to show a treatment response.

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Pediatric MS Oral Presentation

PS07.04 - Fibre-specific white matter differences in children with pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes compared to healthy children

Speakers
Presentation Number
PS07.04
Presentation Topic
Pediatric MS
Lecture Time
13:27 - 13:39

Abstract

Background

White matter (WM) microstructural changes occur in youth with multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin oligodendrocyte glyoprotein (MOG)-associated disorders. While diffusion tensor imaging has been extensively used to characterize white matter, this method lacks microstructural and pathological specificity. ‘Fixel Based Analysis’ (FBA) statistically estimates changes in diffusion MRI connectivity that is specific to micro and macro-structure. WM damage that leads to less densely packed axons in a fiber bundle causes a decrease in fibre density (FD). If the number of axons is not reduced but occupies less area, then fibre cross-section (FC) will decrease. Last, if the density of axons within a fibre bundle and the area the bundle occupies are reduced, then fibre density and cross-section (FDC) will decrease.

Objectives

To use whole-brain FBA to measure differences in FD, FC, FDC in youth with demyelinating syndromes compared to healthy controls.

Methods

We evaluated group differences in the FBA metrics between 28 typically developing children (17F; age 15.0±2.6y), 19 children with MS (13F; 16.9±1.1y; disease duration (DD)=0.1-11.7y; expanded disability status scale(EDSS):median=1.5,range=0-4.5), and 11 children with MOG (8F;12.1±2.8y; DD=0.5-6.4y;EDSS:m=1.0,r=0-3). Multi-shell diffusion-weighted imaging of the brain was acquired with echo planar imaging on a 3T MRI scanner and was pre-processed to correct for distortions and movement. Whole-brain group FBA was performed on FD, FC and FDC to test differences between groups adjusting for age, sex, total intracranial volume, EDSS and DD (p<0.05, family-wise error (FWE) corrected).

Results

Participants with MS and MOG showed reduced FD, FC and FDC relative to typically developing children (FWE corrected p<0.05). Differences in FD were found within splenium, superior longitudinal fasciculus and optic radiations. MS patients had reduced FDC within the corticospinal tract and cerebellar peduncle compared to MOG patients. In participants with MS and MOG, decreased FD within the brain stem, cerebellar peduncles and corona radiata was associated with increased DD and EDSS.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings showed that patients with demyelinating disorders display decreased axonal density and fibre bundle size in multiple WM tracts relative to typically developing children, which were related to clinical outcomes (EDSS, DD). These changes were more pronounced in MS compared to MOG participants in selected WM tracts.

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Author Of 5 Presentations

Imaging Poster Presentation

P0546 - Axonal and myelin volume fractions and imaging g-ratio in pediatric MS and MOG-associated disorders. (ID 1520)

Abstract

Background

Previous studies have described extensive microstructural brain tissue abnormalities in pediatric MS patients. However, available techniques do not distinguish the extent to which such abnormalities are due to axonal loss or demyelination. Further, little is known about microstructural brain tissue changes in MOG-associated disorders (MOGad).

Objectives

To apply a combined analysis of magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) and multi-shell diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with computation of myelin and axonal volume fractions (MVF and AVF) and imaging g-ratio (the ratio between inner and outer diameter of the myelin sheath); to investigate the specific relationship between these metrics in the corpus callosum (CC) and within brain white matter lesions (WML) of pediatric MS and MOGad.

Methods

We acquired standardized 3T brain MRI in 26 healthy controls (HC) (58% females (F), mean age [years (y) (range)] 15y (9-19)); 16 MS (69% F, 17y (14-18), disease duration (DD) 3y (1-7), time from last relapse (TLR) 2y (0-6)); and 11 MOGad (72% F, 12y (8-18), DD 3y (0-6), TLR 1y (0-3), 8/11 relapsing). WML and CC were segmented according to establishes procedures. DWI processing was performed with FSL and DMIPy; MTsat, MVF, AVF, and g-ratio were computed using the Jargon data management system. We used general linear models to model average MVF, AVF, and g-ratio in the CC and WML of each group, including the factors age, DD, and the interaction term group*DD. Models including sex were tested, and all exhibited lower AIC.

Results

Relative to HC, MS showed decreased CC MVF (-0.018/y, p=0.0304) and AVF (-0.0069/y; p=0.053) and corresponding increased CC g-ratio (0.0084/y, p=0.059) with increased DD. Relative to HC, MOGad showed decreased CC MVF (-0.017/y, p=0.0304) and AVF (-0.0081/y, p=0.014) with increased DD, without significant CC g-ratio changes. Both MS and MOGad showed decreased average WML MVF compared to HC WM (-0.19, p<10-8; and -0.2, p<10-8). MOGad also showed decreased average WML AVF (-0.067, p=0.0048) compared to HC. Average WML g-ratio was higher in MS than MOGad (0.17, p=0.0102), but not significantly different from HC in either group. WML MVF, AVF, and g-ratio did not change significantly with DD in MS or MOGad compared to HC.

Conclusions

Both pediatric MS and MOGad exhibited MRI correlates of axonal loss and demyelination in the CC and WML. Our measures of axonal loss in MOGad reinforces recent work warning of potentially long-term impacts on the brain from non-MS demyelinating pathologies.

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Imaging Poster Presentation

P0565 - Different Temporal Evolution of Diffusely Abnormal White Matter Volumes in Relapsing Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS (ID 1712)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0565
Presentation Topic
Imaging

Abstract

Background

Background: Diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) regions have been found to transform over time into focal white matter lesions (FWML) and to associate with progression in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). However, few studies have assessed changes of DAWM and FWML over time in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Hence, we compared volumetric changes of DAWM and FWML over time as well as the transformation of DAWM into FWML (DAWM-to-FWML) in RRMS and SPMS.

Objectives

Objectives: 1) To automatically segment FWML and DAWM and characterize the longitudinal evolution of FWML, DAWM and FWML/DAWM Ratio in RRMS vs. SPMS. 2) To compare the volume of DAWM (at each visit) that transforms into FWML in the last MRI scan.

Methods

Methods: The data included 4220 MRI scans of 689 SPMS participants, followed for 156 weeks, scanned at screening, weeks 24, 48, 72, 96, 108, and 156; and 2677 scans of 686 RRMS participants, followed for 96 weeks, scanned at screening, weeks 24, 48 and 96. FWML and DAWM were automatically segmented using a previously-validated, automated, 2-weighted-intensity thresholding technique. DAWM voxels at screening, weeks 24, 48, 72, 96, and 108 that transformed into FWML at the last MRI scan (w96 for RRMS, and w156 for SPMS) were identified.

Results

Results: Over time, SPMS participants showed volumes of FWML that significantly increased (t=2.5; p=0.01) along with a significant decrease of DAWM (t=-4.1; p<0.0001), and a significant Ratio increase (t=10.5; p<0.00001). RRMS participants only showed a significant increase in the Ratio (t=6.9; p<0.00001). Interestingly, the voxels of DAWM that transformed into FWML at the last visit significantly changed as disease duration progressed in both RRMS and SPMS, but in different directions, increasing in RRMS (t=3.8; p<0.001) and decreasing in SPMS (t=-12.2; p<0.00001).

Conclusions

Conclusions: A significant volume of DAWM transformed into FWML over time in both RR and SPMS. However, the volume of DAWM that experienced this transformation increased over time in RRMS, explaining why we do not see significant changes of the overall DAWM volumes at each visit. Conversely, the volume of DAWM-to-FWML transformation decreases progressively at each visit in SPMS, reflecting a decrease in the remaining portion of DAWM still available to transform into FWML. The finding that the transformation of DAWM-to-FWML accelerates with time in RRMS, but decelerates in SPMS, could suggest differences in the mechanisms underlying this transformation in RR and SPMS.

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Imaging Poster Presentation

P0573 - Evolution of Diffusely Abnormal White Matter and its relationship to Progression in Primary Progressive MS (ID 1817)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0573
Presentation Topic
Imaging

Abstract

Background

Background: Diffusely abnormal white matter (DAWM) is associated with decreased axonal and myelin density, fibrillary gliosis, and inflammatory cell activation on histopathology, and has been linked to progression in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). However, few studies have focused on assessing DAWM in primary progressive MS exclusively. Hence, we aimed to characterize the longitudinal evolution of DAWM and its relationship with focal white matter lesions (FWML) and confirmed disability progression (CDP) in a PPMS population.

Objectives

Objectives: 1) To automatically segment and characterize the longitudinal evolution of FWML and DAWM in PPMS. 2) To assess associations of voxels of DAWM that transform into FWML at last visit with CDP (CDP=sustained increase in EDSS that persisted for 24 weeks).

Methods

Methods: The data included 1753 MRI scans of 376 PPMS participants, followed for 122 weeks, scanned at screening, weeks 06, 48, 96, and 122. FWML and DAWM were automatically segmented using a previously validated automated 2-weighted-intensity thresholding technique. All gadolinium enhancing and new white matter lesion voxels were excluded from the FWML mask, to capture the chronic component of FWML. DAWM voxels at screening, weeks 06, 48 and 96 that transformed into FWML at the last MRI scan (w122) were segmented.

Results

Results: As disease duration increased, PPMS participants showed volumes of chronic FWML that significantly increased (t=7.3; p<0.0001) but no significant changes in DAWM volumes. The voxels of DAWM in subsequent scans that transformed to FWML at the last visit significantly decreased as disease duration progressed (t=-8.8; p<0.0001) and were not significantly associated with CDP.

Conclusions

Conclusions: DAWM voxels show a dynamic transformation into FWML over time, with volumes of DAWM-to-FWML transformation in PPMS decreasing progressively as disease duration increases. These dynamic changes are similar to those observed in SPMS. However, unlike SPMS, where previous studies have shown an association between DAWM-to-FWML transformation and CDP, this group of PPMS participants did not show such an association. This finding would suggest that other factors, other than DAWM evolution, might have a stronger weight in disease progression in PPMS, compared to SPMS.

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Imaging Poster Presentation

P0607 - MRI Characterization of Damage in and Around Lesions in Pediatric MS and MOG-Associated Disorders (ID 1847)

Abstract

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and MOG-associated disorders (MOGad) are characterized by hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions on T2/FLAIR MRI. Conventional imaging is sensitive but does not inform on the specific pathological substrate. Magnetization transfer saturation provides a good myelin measure, and multishell diffusion is sensitive to the axon + myelin assembly. Together, these can be modelled to estimate myelin volume fraction (MVF), axonal volume fraction (AVF) and imaging g-ratio.

Objectives

To quantify gradients of damage to axons and myelin in lesions and surrouding normal appearing white matter, in pediatric MS and MOGad.

Methods

15 MS [67% females (F), mean (range) age [years (y)]: 17y (14-18), disease duration (DD) 3y (0-6), time from last relapse (TLR) 2y (0-6)] and 7 MOGad [86% F, 13y (8-18), DD 3y (0-6), TLR 1y (0-3), 6/7 relapsing] participants received 3T brain MRI. MVF, AVF and g-ratio were computed according to established procedures. T2 lesions were segmented according to standardized pipelines and WM masks by multi-atlas segmentation. Euclidean distance transforms labelled voxels in normal-appearing WM with the distance to the nearest lesion voxel, and voxels inside lesions with the distance to the nearest non-lesional WM voxel. Mean MVF, AVF and g-ratio were computed on each isodistant surface. Data were modeled using linear mixed models with distance, diagnosis, and their interaction. Knots were used at 0 and 2mm distance.

Results

MVF decreased towards the center of lesions (MOGad: -0.03/mm; MS: -0.05/mm; p values (ps)<0.002; difference n.s.) as did AVF (MOGad: -0.03/mm; MS: -0.01/mm; ps<0.0002; difference p=0.02); this graded damage extended to 2mm outside lesions. Beyond this, AVF continued to increase (MOGad: 0.001/mm; MS: 0.0003/mm; ps<10-6; difference p<10-6). Inside lesions, g-ratio increased towards the center in MS (0.03/mm, p<10-6) and decreased in MOGad (p=0.15; MOGad-MS difference p<10-4). G-ratio rose with distance outside lesions (MOGad: 0.001/mm; MS: 0.0004/mm; ps<10-4; difference p<10-5). AVF and g-ratio were similar between groups (within 2%) at 20mm from lesions; MVF was higher in MS (14%, p=0.08).

Conclusions

MS and MOGad showed myelin and axonal loss of decreasing severity with distance from lesion center, and this damage extended outside visible lesions. However, MOGad exhibited more severe axonal loss within and near lesions. The corresponding decreasing g-ratio relative to MS may indicate preferential loss of small axons in MS, or relatively better remyelination in MOGad.

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Imaging Poster Presentation

P0612 - New cortical lesions are rare in an MS cohort with stable white matter lesions: a 7T multicontrast longitudinal study (ID 1866)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0612
Presentation Topic
Imaging

Abstract

Background

Cortical lesions are common and often extensive in MS, and have been associated with worse disability and progressive disease. There is limited evidence that cortical lesions continue to form in progressive phases of the disease, when new white matter lesion formation is minimal, perhaps offering an explanation for worsening disability in progressive MS.

Objectives

We longitudinally characterized cortical lesions in an MS cohort with stable white matter lesion burden in the year prior to enrollment to determine whether new cortical lesions are more frequent in people with worsening disability.

Methods

45 adults with MS (30 relapsing remitting (RR), 13 secondary progressive (SP), and 2 primary progressive (PP)), underwent 7T brain MRI (T2*w and MP2RAGE, each with 0.5mm isometric resolution), 3T brain and spine MRI, and clinical evaluation annually for 1 year. Cortical lesions were segmented manually on 7T images and categorized as leukocortical, intracortical, or subpial. White matter and spinal cord lesion burden were also determined.

Results

At baseline, 93% of individuals (42/45) had at least 1 cortical lesion. Median cortical lesion number was higher in progressive MS (median 55, interquartile range (IQR) 96, range 2–177) than RRMS (median 15, IQR 21, range 0–108; p<0.01). Cortical lesion volume correlated with physical and cognitive measures of disability. There was only a weak correlation between subpial and white matter lesion volume (r=0.35, p<0.05). During 1 year of follow-up, 6 people (4 RR, 2 SP) developed 1 new cortical lesion each. 4 of the 6 new cortical lesions were leukocortical, 1 was intracortical, and 1 was subpial. 5 people developed new white matter lesions, none of whom developed a new cortical lesion. In 2 people, we observed white matter lesions expand into the cortex. 3/6 people with new cortical lesions were on highly effective disease-modifying therapy during the follow up period. There was no difference in new cortical lesion or new white matter lesion number in people with stable vs worsening disability.

Conclusions

Using sensitive 7T MRI techniques, cortical lesions are detected in almost all MS cases. Cortical lesions are associated with worse and progressive disability and may form independently from white matter lesions. New cortical lesions appear to form infrequently in people with stable white matter lesions, however current disease-modifying therapies may not be completely effective at stopping cortical lesion formation.

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Moderator Of 1 Session

Teaching Course Fri, Sep 11, 2020
Session Type
Teaching Course
Date
Fri, Sep 11, 2020