Serial analysis of magnetization-transfer histograms and expanded disability status scale scores in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Magnetization transfer ratio histogram peak height (MTR-HPH) has been shown to correlate,vith macroscopic and microscopic brai n 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 im aging studies of the brain were obtained, and MTR-HPH was calculated for ea ch MR examination by using a semiautomated technique, Changes in MTR-HPH we re compared between patients over the study's duration. A neurologist speci alized in the care of RIS 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 p eriod. CONCLUSION: Patients with relapsing-remitting APS have a significant progre ssive decline in normalized MTR-HPH, which is independent of EDSS score. PI MTR-HPH measurements can be used to monitor subclinical disease in patient s 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 usef ulness.