Abstract

Background: A significant inflammatory pathologic disorder in the cortex of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been demonstrated by ex vivo studies.Objective: To determine the frequency, time of appearance, and clinical relevance of intracortical lesions (ICLs) in MS in vivo.Design: Double inversion recovery sequence study.Setting: Multiple Sclerosis Centre of the Veneto Region.Patients: We enrolled 380 patients (116 with clinically isolated syndrome [CIS], 163 with relapsingremitting MS [RRMS], and 101 with secondary progressive MS [SPMS]) and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy volunteers between May 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006.Main Outcome Measures: We assessed the frequency and number of ICLs and brain parenchyma fraction, white matter T2 lesion volume, and clinical disability.Results: Although never observed in healthy volunteers, ICLs were detected in 58% of patients (36% of patients with