Reduced cortical surface area in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess utility of cortical surface area as a measure of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: We measured two-dimensional flattened cortical surface area on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained in 15 subjects with clinically definite MS and ten normal subjects.

Results and discussion: Single hemisphere cortical area was reduced in MS patients compared with controls (96,451 versus 71,710 mm²). We found no significant relationship of cortical surface area to disability or disease duration. T2 lesion load was negatively correlated with two-dimensional cortical surface area (r=−0.62).

Conclusion: Cortical surface area is decreased in MS and may be a useful measure of disease progression.

Keywords:

• MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
• DISEASE PROGRESSION
• CORTICAL SURFACE AREA
• CORTICAL ATROPHY
• QUANTIFICATION