Spinal cord imaging in multiple sclerosis: A vital component we can no longer overlook
PURPOSE: We conducted a systematic review to examine the use of spinal cord (SC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis (MS) and discussed the significant challenges that impede its widespread implementation. MAJOR FINDINGS: -lesion number (0.3%). CONCLUSION: A very small proportion of clinical trials have used SC MRI metrics as outcome measures. Given the substantial impact of SC disease on disability, it is essential to standardize SC imaging, post-processing, and analytical methods across centres to enhance the effectiveness and applicability of SC MRI in future clinical trials.
Authors
- Jeffrey Moore
- Dhairya A. Lakhani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7577-1887)
- Francesca Bagnato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9544-9019)
- Ahmad A. Toubasi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4688-9728)
- Kurt Schilling
Institutions
- West Virginia University (US)
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute (US)
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (US)
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Multiple Sclerosis Journal
- Published
- 2026-04-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585261438770
- Primary Topic
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Health Services Research and Development