Subcortical Volume Alterations Indicate Structural Atrophy Patterns in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Department of Physiotherapy have identified significant subcortical volume loss in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a chronic neurodegenerative disorder. According to a study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science, the thalamus, nucleus caudatus, and nucleus lentiformis showed pronounced volume loss between the first and third MRI scans. The greatest reduction in volume was observed in the left nucleus caudatus (7.92%), followed by the right thalamus (5.68%) and nucleus lentiformis (4.35%). While atrophy was observed across disease duration groups, the difference was not statistically significant. The findings highlight the potential of subcortical volume changes as biomarkers for disease progression and guiding targeted therapies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 50 RRMS patients (33.5 ± 6.3 years; 68% female, 32% male) and 50 healthy controls (38.0 ± 5.8 years; 64% female, 36% male).
  • T1-weighted brain MRI scans from 2017, 2019, and 2022 were analyzed via volBrain software.
  • Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Dunn tests.
  • Thalamus, nucleus caudatus, and nucleus lentiformis volumes were significantly lower in RRMS patients (p 0.05).
  • Subcortical volume changes show potential as biomarkers for disease progression and guiding targeted therapies.

Statistics:

  • 50 RRMS patients were involved in the study (33.5 ± 6.3 years; 68% female, 32% male).
  • 50 healthy controls were also involved in the study (38.0 ± 5.8 years; 64% female, 36% male).
  • T1-weighted brain MRI scans from 2017, 2019, and 2022 were analyzed.
  • Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Dunn tests.
  • Volume loss in left nucleus caudatus was 7.92%, followed by 5.68% in right thalamus and 4.35% in nucleus lentiformis.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers at Department of Physiotherapy Report New Data on Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (Subcortical volume alterations indicate structural atrophy patterns over time in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a volBrain-based ...). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 5593.
  • Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025.