Late onset multiple sclerosis is associated with more severe ventricle expansion

Abstract Background Late-onset multiple sclerosis (LOMS) is associated with faster disability progression than persons with adult-onset MS (PwAOMS). The differences in brain atrophy are currently unknown. Objectives To determine MRI-derived atrophy rates in persons with late-onset MS (PwLOMS) and compare them to an age-matched and disease duration-matched sample of PwAOMS. Methods 870 persons with MS (290 PwLOMS, 290 age-matched PwAOMS, and 290 disease duration-matched PwAOMS), and 150 healthy controls (HCs), were followed for 5 years and 3 years, respectively. Cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of T2-lesion volume (LV), lateral ventricular volume (LVV) and whole brain volume (WBV) were derived. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) were calculated. Both analyses were corrected for false discovery rate. Results Persons with MS exhibited significantly greater annualized WBV loss (-0.88% vs. -0.38%, p Conclusion PwLOMS had higher MSSS and greater ventricle expansion when compared to PwAOMS.