Abstract Details

Title Assessment of cervical spinal cord volume in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P15 - Poster Session 15 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 12-004

Objective Several studies of adult-onset multiple sclerosis (AOMS) patients have demonstrated spinal cord volume loss associated with disease progression and clinical disability. However, complementary studies of young patients with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) are lacking. Our retrospective study aimed to assess spinal cord volume in POMS patients compared with that in healthy controls.

Background

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is an MS diagnosis based on the McDonald criteria for patients younger than 18 years of age. Neurodegeneration from demyelinating lesions in patients with MS can result in the reduction of brain and spinal cord volume. Spinal cord volume loss has also been negatively correlated with disease progression and disability in adults. The prevalence of spinal cord involvement in AOMS patients and POMS patients is similar. Although several authors have noted spinal cord volume loss in AOMS patients, evidence of spinal cord volume loss in POMS patients is limited

Design/Methods Cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance images were evaluated for 20 POMS patients and 20 age-matched controls. Cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured at C2 and C7, along with mean spinal cord segmental area (CASA). The POMS group was further subdivided based on the presence or absence of spinal cord lesions, specifically C2 lesions. Pairwise area and volume comparisons were made across the different groups.

Results No significant difference was found in CASA and CSA at C2 and C7 between POMS patients and comparative controls. However, CASA, CSA at C7, and estimated spinal cord volume were significantly lower in a small subset of POMS patients with C2 lesions (3 patients) than in controls (P=0.001, 0.02, and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions No significant difference was found in spinal cord areas and volumes between POMS patients and controls. This finding contrasts with spinal cord volume measurements in adult MS patients.

Authors/Disclosures
Saher Suleman, MD (Dell Children's Medical Center) PRESENTER	Dr. Suleman has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Ram N. Narayan, MD, FAAN (Barrow Neurological Institute)	Dr. Narayan has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file

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