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Abstract #4336

Patterns of Regional Gray Matter Atrophy and Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Different Disease Phenotypes

Gianna Riccitelli1, Maria A. Rocca1, Cristina Forn1, Andrea Falini2, Elisabetta Pagani1, Mariaemma Rodegher3, Monica Falautano3, Paolo Rossi3, Giancarlo Comi3, Massimo Filippi1

1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 2Department of Neuroradiology, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; 3Department of Neurology, Scientific Institute and University Hospital San Raffaele, Milan, Italy


Using voxel-based morphometry, we found distinct patterns of regional distribution of GM damage associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in MS patients with different clinical phenotypes. CI relapsing-remitting MS patients had GM volume loss in the deep GM nuclei and in several regions in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. CI secondary progressive MS patients had GM volume loss in regions of the fronto-temporal lobes, and the hippocampus. CI primary progressive MS patients showed GM volume loss in the cingulum, superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus and cerebellum. GM loss in CI MS patients was only partially correlated with T2-visible lesions.

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