In MS, Vascular Autoregulation Is Linked With Gray Matter Volume
There is a connection between impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation and decreased gray matter in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)—especially among those with a higher degree of disability—according to a new study.
The study, which was authored by Dr Cristina Duque and colleagues, was presented at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum on Thursday, February 28.
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To analyze the relationship between cerebrovascular hemodynamics and brain structure in MS, the researchers recruited 77 participants from an outpatient clinic for MS patients.
The participants had not had relapses of MS or used high-dose steroids in the past 3 months and did not have an absence of acoustic temporal window or any other contraindication for a transcranial doppler ultrasound, which was used to measure dynamic cerebral autoregulation.
Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure global and regional white matter as well as gray matter.
After adjusting for age, sex, race, and vascular risk factors, the researchers determined that less effective cerebral autoregulation was associated with lower gray matter volume but not with white matter volume.
There was also a significant association between the Expanded Disability Status Scale, phase, and gray matter volume.
“While our study identifies an association between vascular autoregulation and gray matter volume in MS patients, longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the evolution of this relationship and its potential clinical applications,” the researchers concluded.
—Colleen Murphy
Reference:
Duque C, Juvinall DR, Garner C, et al. Cerebral small vessel function: association with gray matter damage in multiple sclerosis. Paper presented at: Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum; February 28-March 2; Dallas, TX. https://actrims.confex.com/actrims/2019/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/3565. Accessed March 1, 2019.