White and Gray Matter Changes in Early Multiple Sclerosis (P03.049)

Objective: To evaluate damage in white and gray matter during early stages of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS-RR). Background MS is an autoimmune, inflammatory CNS disease. Early in the disease, patients report significant problems in both physical and cognitive tasks. There is a paucity of literature on the extent of damage that occurs in patients even during the early stages of MS. This study further explores areas of the brain that are most affected in the early stages of RRMS. Design/Methods: Subjects included 9 controls (ages 26-48) and 20 MS patients (ages 22-45). MS patients had onset of symptoms Results: Compared to controls, MS patients showed significant FA white matter tract abnormalities in the corpus callosum, frontal, parietal, fornix, and thalamic tracts (P Conclusions: MS patients showed significant abnormalities both in the normal appearing white and gray matter structures. This study underscores the extent of damage both in the white and gray mater even in this early stage of MS and argues for early treatment of these patients. Disclosure: Dr. Williamson has received personal compensation for activities with Accorda Therapeutics as a participant on an advisory board. Dr. Shi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Javed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Questcor and Biogen Idec as a consultant and/or speaker.