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Paramagnetic Rim Lesions and Choroid Plexus Volume at Diagnosis Are Associated With Cognitive Progression Independent of Relapse and MRI Activity in Early Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Stefano Ziccardi D. Marastoni Agnese Tamanti Pietro Biasi Valentina Visani Annalisa Colombi T. Fuchs Monica Sicchieri Chiara Eccher F. Guarnaccia Milena Calderone Valentina Camera F. Pizzini Roberta Magliozzi M. Castellaro Massimiliano Calabrese

Jul 2026 · Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology · 0 citations · 15 references

Medicine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) and choroid plexus (CP) enlargement reflect smoldering inflammation in multiple sclerosis. Their role in cognitive progression remains unexplored. Eighty‐seven early relapsing–remitting MS patients were enrolled at diagnosis and followed longitudinally. PRLs and CP volume were evaluated at diagnosis using 3 T‐MRI. Cognitive decline over time was classified as cognitive progression independent of relapse/MRI activity (PIRMA). Fifty‐five patients (63.2%) showed meaningful cognitive decline: 44 (80.0%) were cognitive PIRMA. PRLs and CP volume at diagnosis were associated with cognitive PIRMA. PRLs and larger CP reflect cognitive progression independent of clinical/MRI activity, supporting their role as smoldering disease activity markers.

DOI PubMed Semantic Scholar

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