ACTRIMS 2022 | Translating MS imaging biomarkers into clinical practice

Pascal Sati, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, discusses the validation of multiple sclerosis (MS) biomarkers, such as cortical lesions – and the applicability of such findings to a clinical environment. Cortical lesions are a well-established pathological finding, being classified into different categories. However, the challenge lies in imaging in vivo, in a non-invasive manner, with high accuracy and high sensitivity. Dr Sati describes previous work conducted at the National Institute of Health whereby this was proved possible by utilizing 7-Tesla ultrahigh field MRI alongside various other MRI techniques – fundamentally increasing sensitivity. Dr Sati raises an issue concerning the replicability of these findings in a clinical environment. Not all hospitals have access to the range of MRI technology utilized in research – emphasizing the need for technical development to translate the results into a clinical, real-life setting. Many groups have demonstrated this with 3-Tesla MRI, yet the diagnostic value remains uncertain. Work is required in evaluating MS to accurately distinguish patients with cortical lesions in the same mannerism as individuals with central vein sign. Work currently being conducted in Europe to assess cortical lesions at 3-Tesla will hopefully be able to inform us of its real diagnostic value. This interview took place at the ACTRIMS Forum 2022 in West Palm Beach, Florida.