Volume changes of thalamus,hippocampus and cerebellum are associated with specific CSF profile in MS

Abstract

Background:

The underlying pathogenesis of surface-in grey matter abnormalities in MS, demonstrated by both neuropathology and advanced MRI analyses, is under investigation and it might be related to CSF-mediated mechanism of inflammation and/or damage.

Objective:

To examine the link of CSF inflammatory profile with the damage of three regions early-involved in MS and bordering with CSF: thalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum.

Methods:

In this longitudinal, prospective study, we evaluated, in 109 relapsing–remitting MS patients, at diagnosis and after 2-year follow-up, the association between the baseline CSF level of 19 inflammatory mediators and the volume changes of thalamus, hippocampus, cerebellar cortex and control regions (globus pallidus, putamen).

Results:

The multivariable analysis showed that the CXCL13 and sCD163 CSF levels at baseline were independent predictors of thalamus ( $R_{\mathrm{model}}^2=0.80$ ; p < 0.001) and hippocampus ( $R_{\mathrm{model}}^2=0.47$ ; p < 0.001) volume change after 2-year follow-up. These molecules, plus CCL25, IFN-γ and fibrinogen, were independent predictors of the cerebellar cortex volume loss ( $R_{\mathrm{model}}^2=0.60$ ; p < 0.001). No independent predictors of volume changes of the control regions were found.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate an association between the CSF inflammatory profile and grey matter volume loss of regions anatomically close to CSF boundaries, thus supporting the hypothesis of a surface-in GM damage in MS.