In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), PeriVentricular Lesions produce Atrophy of the Corpus Callosum (CC), as evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
In this study, we sought to determine whether CC Atrophy is associated to Functional Deficits in patients with Relapsing/Remitting MS.
Using sagittal T1-weighted MRI, we compared CC size among 14 Relapsing/Remitting MS patients with mild disability (mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 2.7) and 14 controls matched for age and sex.
MRI measurements of the CC were correlated with functional measures, which consisted of a NeuroPsychological test battery and NeuroPhysiological evaluation based on Visual stimulation using a divided Visual Field Paradigm.
Total area of the CC was a mean 5.3 cm2 in MS patients, significantly smaller as compared to controls (mean, 6.6 cm2; P=.002). On the Dichotic Listening Test, MS patients demonstrated Left Ear Extinction
They performed more poorly than controls on the Name Learning Test; Impaired Name Learning was found to correlate with Atrophy of the Splenium. There was no significant differences between patients and controls in InterHemispheric Transfer Time.
Marked Atrophy of the CC was found in Relapsing/Remitting MS patients. There were no differences in InterHemispheric transfer time between patients and controls.
Marked Atrophy of the CC can be encountered in Relapsing/Remitting MS patients. The associated Cerebral Disconnection correlated with Atrophy of expected regions of the Corpus Callosum, thus supporting topographical organization.
