Neuroimaging markers and disability scales in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS One. 2024 Dec 5;19(12):e0312421. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0312421. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder marked by progressive neurological impairments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters are key paraclinical measures that play a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of MS-related disability. This study aims to analyze and summarize the existing literature on the correlation between MRI parameters and disability in people with MS (pwMS).

Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to July 19, 2024, and a meta-analysis was carried out using R software version 4.4.0 and the random effects model used to determine the pooled correlation coefficient, with its 95% confidence interval (CI), between MRI measurements and disability scales.

Results: Among 5741 studies, 383 studies with 39707 pwMS were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) had significant correlations with cervical cord volume (r = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.38, I2 = 0%, p-heterogeneity = 0.86, p-value<0.01), cortical lesion volume (r = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.53, I2 = 68%, p-heterogeneity<0.01, p-value<0.01), brain volume (r = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.33, I2 = 41%, p-heterogeneity = 0.05, p-value<0.05), and grey matter volume (GMV) (r = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.21, I2 = 0%, p-heterogeneity = 0.53, p-value<0.01), respectively.

Conclusion: This study offers evidence suggesting that cortical lesion volume, brain volume, GMV, and MRI measurements of the spinal cord may constitute reliable indicators for assessing disability in pwMS.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Disability Evaluation
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / pathology
  • Neuroimaging* / methods

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.