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Abstract #2049

Increased microstructural damage in the normal appearing white matter appears to distinguish SPMS from RRMS

Yunyan Zhang 1 , Bailey Komishke 2 , Luanne Metz 3 , and Lenora Brown 3

1 University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, 2 University of British Columbia, BC, Canada, 3 University of Calgary, AB, Canada

To understand the mechanism relating to distinct disability, we evaluated both macroscopic and microscopic tissue change in advanced SPMS and mild RRMS, with a focus on the corpus callosum. We found smaller white matter volume, not gray matter, in SPMS than in RRMS subjects but similar T2 lesion load. Also in SPMS, corpus callosum was atrophic, where fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity was significantly compromised. No difference between mild RRMS and controls. Our results suggest the importance of NAWM and early intervention may protect mild RRMS patients from developing advanced disability.

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