Evaluation of the volume of brain structures in patients with multiple sclerosis at the disease onset as a marker of radiological specificities of its course

The article presents the results of own study of a group of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the disease onset who, in addition to traditional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, underwent magnetic resonance volumetry of brain structures. Brain MRI is the main method of neuroimaging in MS. The examination is performed with the use of traditional MRI sequences (T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, post-contrast T1-weighted images), which are necessary for the diagnostic confirmation of MS according to the McDonald criteria whose latest version was revised in 2017. In addition, MRI is the leading method for confirming MS exacerbations using postcontrast T1-weighted images, allowing for the assessment of the disease course. With the development of MRI, there are more opportunities for a comprehensive examination of the brain in various pathologies, including MS, through the use of so-called advanced techniques, one of which is volumetry (volume determination) of brain structures. The study conducted showed that in the group of patients with MS, at its onset, a statistically significant decrease in the volume of the thalamus and subcortical structures (putamen and nucleus caudatus) was found compared to the control group. Currently, there is no consensus on the use of advanced MRI techniques for the diagnosis and monitoring of MS, but we believe that such means will not only improve and speed up the diagnosis of MS, but also predict its course. This approach will improve the management of MS and significantly increase the quality of life of MS patients.