Cerebellar Grey-Matter Lesion Load Is Related to Worse Motor Performance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients (P03.067)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationships between cerebellar cortical lesions, motor performance and clinical parameters in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Background Grey matter pathology in MS correlates better with clinical measures than do white matter lesion load, but visualization of cortical lesions with conventional MRI remains unsatisfactory. Double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences have allowed a better detection of such lesions, but there is scarce information on the interaction of cerebellar cortical lesions and clinical disability. Design/Methods: We prospectively studied 21 relapsing remitting MS patients. They underwent clinical evaluation comprising EDSS and MSFC, and MRI in a 3T scanner (Philips, Achieva), including FLAIR and DIR sequences. Cerebellar cortical (CL) and mixed white matter-grey matter lesions (ML) were segmented using a semiautomatic thresholding technique on DIR sequences. Results: We included 15 female and 6 male RRMS patients with mean age 30.4 years (21 – 44), 7.5 years of disease duration (0 – 20), and 2.3 of EDSS (1 – 3.5). Mean number of ML was 0.6 (0-4) with mean volume of 47.4 mm3 (0-303.3). Mean number of CL was 0.8 (0-4) with mean volume of 53.8 mm3 (0-198.5). The 9HPT time was related to cerebellar CL number and volume (R=0.52, p=0.01, and R=0.48, p=0.02, respectively). Similarly T25FW was related to CL number and volume (R=0.58, p Conclusions: Cerebellar grey-matter lesion load may significantly contribute to worse arm and leg function in MS patients, and may be increased in female patients. Supported by: Institutional grant from Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) # 2010/00885-4. Disclosure: Dr. Damasceno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Damasceno has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cendes has nothing to disclose.