Critical analysis on the present methods for brain volume measurements in multiple sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Objective

The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has quickly evolved from a time when controlling clinical relapses would suffice, to the present day, when complete disease control is expected. Measurement of brain volume is still at an early stage to be indicative of therapeutic decisions in MS.

Methods

This paper provides a critical review of potential biases and artifacts in brain measurement in the follow-up of patients with MS.

Results

Clinical conditions (such as hydration or ovulation), time of the day, type of magnetic resonance machine (manufacturer and potency), brain volume artifacts and different platforms for volumetric assessment of the brain can induce variations that exceed the acceptable physiological rate of annual loss of brain volume.

Conclusion

Although potentially extremely valuable, brain volume measurement still has to be regarded with caution in MS.

RESUMO

Objetivo

O tratamento da esclerose múltipla (EM) evoluiu rapidamente de um tempo onde o controle clínico dos surtos era suficiente para o momento atual, quando se almeja o completo controle da doença. Medidas de volume cerebral ainda estão em fases iniciais para utilização nas decisões terapêuticas na EM.

Métodos

Este artigo fornece uma revisão crítica de potenciais vieses e artefatos na volumetria cerebral utilizada no seguimento de pacientes com EM.

Resultados

Condições clínicas (como hidratação ou ovulação), hora do dia, tipo de máquina de ressonância magnética (fabricante e força do campo) artefatos de volume e diferentes plataformas de avaliação volumétrica cerebral podem induzir variações que excedem a taxa aceitável de perda anual fisiológica do volume cerebral.

Conclusão

Embora seja potencialmente de grande valor, a medida de volume cerebral ainda deve ser vista com cautela na EM.

multiple sclerosis - brain - atrophy - gray matter

esclerose múltipla - encéfalo - atrofia - substância cinzenta

Publication History

Received: 24 November 2016

Accepted: 30 March 2017

Article published online:
05 September 2023

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