A review on multiple sclerosis prognostic findings from imaging, inflammation, and mental health studies

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is commonly used to detect where chronic and active lesions are in multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI is also extensively used as a tool to calculate and extrapolate brain health by way of volumetric analysis or advanced imaging techniques. In MS patients, psychiatric symptoms are common comorbidities, with depression being the main one. Even though these symptoms are a major determinant of quality of life in MS, they are often overlooked and undertreated. There has been evidence of bidirectional interactions between the course of MS and comorbid psychiatric symptoms. In order to mitigate disability progression in MS, treating psychiatric comorbidities should be investigated and optimized. New research for the prediction of disease states or phenotypes of disability have advanced, primarily due to new technologies and a better understanding of the aging brain.

Automated summary

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used in multiple sclerosis (MS) to detect chronic and active brain lesions. It is also used to assess brain health through volumetric analysis and advanced imaging techniques. In MS patients, comorbid psychiatric symptoms are common, with depression being the most prevalent. These symptoms, which greatly affect the quality of life, are often overlooked and undertreated. Bidirectional interactions between MS progression and comorbid psychiatric symptoms have been observed, highlighting the importance of investigating and optimizing the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities. New research, aided by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the aging brain, has advanced the prediction of disease states or disability phenotypes.