Source MS Trust: Researchers wanted to find out if there are hidden patterns in MRI brain
scans taken over time that would better identify biological differences in MS activity and
detect progression earlier.
The study in brief
MS is divided into four subtypes: clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing remitting,
primary and secondary progressive MS and are used to guide the timing and choice of
treatments. However, these subtypes are based on observed symptoms, such as
relapses and disability, which can be difficult to measure and may not reflect the
underlying biology driving the course of someone’s MS.
Researchers wanted to find out if there are hidden patterns in MRI brain scans taken
over time that would better identify biological differences in MS activity and detect
progression earlier.
The international team used MRI scans previously taken in clinical trials involving 6322
people with MS. Data was extracted from the scans and machine learning (artificial
intelligence) used to identify subgroups with similar patterns of change in brain
structures over time. Results from the initial findings were tested against a second set of
MRI scans from 3,068 people with MS.
Find out more: https://mstrust.org.uk/research/research-updates/210513-machinelearning-identifies-new-subtypes-ms-mri-scans
