Changes in brain atrophy indices in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab

Aim: To evaluate the effect of natalizumab on progression of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and to search for a clinical or radiological marker of progression of brain atrophy. Patients and methods: We retrospectively recorded demographic and clinical data, as well as the corpus callosum index (CCI) using MRI, in MS patients treated with natalizumab for 1–4 years. Results: In the study population (n = 29), baseline mean CCI was 0.37 ± 0.04 and final CCI 0.36 ± 0.04. 17 patients did not develop brain atrophy during follow-up. There was no statistically significant relationship between progression of atrophy and clinical and radiological parameters. Conclusion: Natalizumab may have a neuroprotective effect.