Is inflammation important in early PPMS? a longitudinal MRI study

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) have shown a reduced frequency of enhancement with the contrast agent gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA), in comparison with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), and it has been suggested that there may be a less important role for inflammation in its pathogenesis. However, the earliest clinical stages of PPMS have not been studied and thus it has not been possible to exclude the existence of an early inflammatory phase. Objective: To study the presence, characteristics, and implications of inflammation in early PPMS. Methods: 45 patients with a mean disease duration of 3.3 years had triple dose Gd enhanced MRI, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), and multiple sclerosis functional composite (MSFC) assessments at baseline. Repeat MRI was done at 1 and 2 months in 24 patients, and at 6 months in 38. Results: Enhancing brain lesions were present in 42% of patients at baseline but enhancing cord lesions were uncommon (7%); 85% of enhancing lesions enhanced for one month or less. Patients with enhancing lesions had greater disability (EDSS, p = 0.027; MSFC, p = 0.026) and more MRI abnormalities (greater T2 load, p = 0.008; greater T1 hypointensity load, p = 0.001; and reduced partial brain volume, p = 0.012) than those without enhancement. Enhancement at 6 months was seen in 32% of patients and was restricted to a subset of patients who enhanced at baseline. Conclusions: Enhancement is present in some cases of early PPMS and is associated with greater disease impact in terms of both clinical and MRI measures.