Evaluation of the correlation between thalamic area and cognitive functions in patients with early-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of cognitive dysfunction and deep gray matter involvement in the early-stages of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis(RRMS) disease and examine the relationship between them. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four patients and 23 healthy individuals were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with RRMS according to the Revised 2010 and 2017 McDonald criteria, aged between 18-50, were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 23 healthy individuals with normal neurological examination, cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), and cognitive functions. All participants underwent a neuropsychological test battery that covers memory, executive functions, language, and visuospatial domains, and the results of these tests were compared among the study groups. The data on MRI parameters, including the areas of the thalamus and corpus callosum as well as the width of the third ventricle, were compared among the study groups. Finally, the relationship between neuropsychological test results and MRI parameters was investigated in patients with early-stage RRMS. Results: The mean duration of the disease for MS patients was 3.53 years, and their median EDSS score was 2. It was observed that memory, executive functions, and fine motor skills were affected in early-stage RRMS patients. This impairment correlated with a decrease in the thalamus and corpus callosum areas and an increase in the third ventricle width. Conclusion: The MRI parameters defined as biomarkers for potential cognitive impairments in RRMS have critical importance in predicting the prognosis of the disease and taking early measures against future cognitive dysfunction.