Brain volume and diffusion markers as predictors of disability and short-term disease evolution in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MRI markers of neuroaxonal damage in MS have emerged as critical long-term predictors of MS-related disability. Here we investigated the potential of whole-brain diffusivity and brain volume for the prediction of cross-sectional disability and short- to medium-term clinical evolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multimodal prospective longitudinal MRI study of 54 patients with MS (87% under immunomodulatory therapy, baseline and follow-up at a median of 12 months), ADC histogram analysis, WM lesion load, BPF, whole-brain atrophy rate, MSFC score, and EDSS score were obtained. A total of 44 patients with no relapse at both time points were included. RESULTS: At both time points, ADC histogram analysis provided robust predictors of the MSFC scores (maximal R(2) = 0.576, P < .001), incorporated cognition and fine-motor skill subscores, and EDSS scores. Significant changes beyond physiologic age-related changes at follow-up were noted for ADC histogram markers and BPF. Stronger diffusivity alterations and brain volume at baseline predicted MSFC decline, as demonstrated by multiple linear regression analysis (mean ADC, R(2) = 0.203; P = .003) and lower baseline BPF in patients with declined compared with stable MSFC scores (P = .001). Results were independent of intercurrent relapses. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion histogram analysis provided stable surrogates of disability in MS and proved sensitive for monitoring disease progression during a median of 12 months. Advanced neuroaxonal pathology at baseline was indicative of an increased risk for sustained progression during a median of 12 months, independent of intercurrent relapses.

Extraperitoneal inguinoscrotal herniation of the ureter: a rare case of recurrence after hernia repair.

Inguinoscrotal herniation of the ureter is a rare finding with the potential for serious surgical complications. Two anatomic forms are defined. In the more common paraperitoneal variant, the herniating peritoneal sac drags the ureter and sometimes other abdominal structures with it. The uncommon variant--extraperitoneal inguinal herniais without a peritoneal sac and consists of the ureter and fat tissue. We report a case of extraperitoneal inguinoscrotal hernia possibly due to a prior inguinal hernia repair.