Evaluation of myelin content in the spinal cord of patients with multiple sclerosis: A positron emission tomography study

Author(s)

de Lucena, Leticia Zorante ; Campanholo, Kenia Repiso ; Pereira, Samira Luiza Apostolos ; Tavora, Daniel Gurgel Fernandes ; Callegaro, Dagoberto ; Buchpiguel, Carlos Alberto ; Pitombeira, Milena Sales ; Faria, Daniele de Paula

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS; v. 93, p. 8-pg., 2024-12-28.

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is divided into Relapsing-Remitting (RRMS) and Progressive (PMS) phenotypes, both associated with spinal cord (SC) damage. MS-related disability and SC atrophy are not yet fully understood and can differ across phenotypes. A combined approach using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could provide a broader understanding of myelin changes in the cervical SC (CSC) in different MS phenotypes and the associations with disability. Objectives: To evaluate CSC myelin content using a PET-MRI with [11C]PIB and its association with disability in PMS and RRMS compared to healthy volunteers (HV). Methods: [11C]PIB PET images and T1-MRI of 49 patients with MS and 19 HV were evaluated at C1-C2, C3, and C4 vertebrae levels. [11C]PIB uptake and volume were compared between groups. Results: [11C]PIB uptake was significantly lower at C1-C4, C1-C2, and C3 segments when comparing PMS to RRMS and HV. [11C]PIB uptake inversely correlated with overall disability in all CSC segments in all patients with MS, and in the RRMS phenotype separately. Conclusions: Our findings suggest an association between [11C]PIB CSC uptake and overall disability score measured by EDSS. MRI and PET can be used as complementary methods for studying MS. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/15167-1 - Translational neuroimaging in intellectual disability: evaluation of molecular changes associated with aging in Down Syndrome
• Grantee: Daniele de Paula Faria
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/00293-4 - Evaluation of neuroinflammation and myelin content using PET / MRI images of cervical spinal cord of patients with Multiple Sclerosis and healthy volunteers
• Grantee: Leticia Zorante de Lucena
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master