Choroid plexus volume predicts expansion of chronic lesions and brain atrophy

Background and ObjectivesThe expansion of long-standing multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and an enlargement of choroid plexus are linked to chronic inflammation and microglial activation. In the current study, we investigated the association between plexus volume and subsequent lesion expansion in patients with relapsing remitting MS.MethodsPre- and post-gadolinium 3D-T1, 3D FLAIR and diffusion tensor images were acquired from 49 patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Choroid plexus volume and lesion activity were analysed between baseline and 48 months.ResultsPlexus volume remained stable during follow-up period. There was a strong correlation between baseline plexus volume and subsequent rate of chronic lesion expansion (r=0.77, p−5 plexus/TIV ratio predicted future lesion expansion with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 76%. Plexus volume larger than a cut-off was associated with >8-fold increased risk of chronic lesion expansion. Furthermore, baseline plexus volume significantly correlated with change of MD in lesional core during the study period (r=0.67, pConclusionOur data demonstrate that baseline plexus volume predicts subsequent expansion of chronic periventricular MS lesions and associated tissue damage.