Inflammatory cortical demyelination in early multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cortical disease has emerged as a critical aspect of the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, being associated with disease progression and cognitive impairment. Most studies of cortical lesions have focused on autopsy findings in patients with long-standing, chronic, progressive multiple sclerosis, and the noninflammatory nature of these lesions has been emphasized. Magnetic resonance imaging studies indicate that cortical damage occurs early in the disease.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence and character of demyelinating cortical lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Cortical tissues were obtained in passing during biopsy sampling of white-matter lesions. In most cases, biopsy was done with the use of stereotactic procedures to diagnose suspected tumors.

SUBMITTER: Lucchinetti CF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3282172 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature