The cortical blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis: a gateway to progression?

Despite the historical focus on white matter pathology, it is now increasingly recognised that cortical tissue injury is critical to disease outcome. Cortical pathology occurs from the earliest disease stages, predominates in progressive MS, and correlates with physical and cognitive disability [1]. However, our understanding of disease processes operative in the MS cortex remains poor and, in particular, the contribution of BBB dysfunction has been relatively overlooked. A recent radiological study and pathological findings from our group make steps to address these shortcomings and provide fresh insight into the role of BBB dysfunction in cortical pathology.