Abstract Details

Title Abnormalities of the Brain Connectome in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Topic MS and Related Diseases

Presentation(s) (-)

Poster/Presentation
Number 009

Objective

Background Topology-based analysis of human brain networks provides a novel way to characterize functional disconnection and loss of efficiency in several neurological conditions.

Design/Methods RS fMRI data were acquired from 246 MS patients (121 relapsing-remitting [RR] MS, 80 secondary progressive [SP] MS, and 45 benign [B] MS) and 55 healthy controls. Whole-brain networks were constructed using graph theory. The global topology of functional networks was examined by computing the average clustering coefficient (C), the characteristic path length (L), and the global and local efficiencies (Eg and El). Small-worldness properties were tested by comparison with matched random networks. Hubs were defined as regions having either degree or betweeness centrality one standard deviation greater than the average over the network. Between-group differences of global network metrics were investigated with a Mann-Withney or a Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate.

Results Small-worldness (i.e., high clustering and short paths) was verified in both controls and MS patients. All global network parameters were significantly altered in MS patients vs. controls. No differences were found among MS phenotypes, except for a lower El in SPMS vs. RRMS. The left precuneus, the bilateral middle cingulate cortex, middle and inferior temporal gyri, and the cerebellum (crus I-II) were hubs in both controls and MS patients. RRMS had a trend towards an increased number of cortical hubs in the frontal lobe (including the middle frontal gyrus and the anterior cingulate cortex). This trend was maintained in BMS patients, whereas in SPMS all frontal hubs were lost.

Conclusions The large-scale functional network organization is significantly altered in MS patients vs. controls, suggesting a loss of efficiency in information exchange between brain areas.

Authors/Disclosures
Massimo Filippi, MD, FAAN (Ospedale San Raffaele, Neuroimaging Research Unit) PRESENTER	Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Alexion, Almirall, Biogen, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Alexion, Biogen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sanofi-Aventis, Sanofi-Genzyme, Takeda. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Bayer, Biogen, Celgene, Chiesi Italia SpA, Eli Lilly, Genzyme, Janssen, Merck-Serono, Neopharmed Gentili, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, and TEVA. Dr. Filippi has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Springer Nature. The institution of Dr. Filippi has received research support from Biogen Idec, Merck-Serono, Novartis, Roche, the Italian Ministry of Health, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, and Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla.
Wolfgang Heide, MD, FEAN (AKH Celle)	No disclosure on file
Paola Valsasina	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Andrea Falini	No disclosure on file
Giancarlo Comi, MD (University Vita-Salute)	Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Janssen. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novartis. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Janssen. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novartis. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Aspen Healthcare. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Sanofi. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Sanofi. Dr. Comi has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Rewind.
Maria A. Rocca (Neuroimaging Research Unit)	Maria Assunta Rocca has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Roche. Maria Assunta Rocca has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for AstraZaneca, Biogen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bromatech, Celgene, Genzyme, Horizon Therapeutics Italy, Merck Serono SpA, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi and Teva. The institution of Maria Assunta Rocca has received research support from MS Society of Canada, the Italian Ministry of Health, the Italian Ministry of University and Research, and Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla.

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