Disproportional smaller fornix with altered microstructure in pediatric multiple sclerosis shown by high-resolution fluid-suppressed diffusion tractography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) has identified marked volume and diffusion abnormalities of the fornix, the main white matter (WM) output tract of the hippocampus.

Objective

To determine if the fornix is affected in pediatric-onset MS (POMS) using the same DTI protocols used in adult-onset MS (AOMS), which would suggest its early involvement in the disease course.

Methods

High-resolution, fluid-suppressed diffusion tractography was used to identify the fornix in 11 POMS patients (13-19 years old) and 26 controls. Fornix volume and diffusion metrics were compared between groups and with other total/regional brain volumes, and then correlated with cognitive/clinical scores.

Results

POMS showed lower fornix volumes

SUBMITTER: Weber C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11783520 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature