Objective:

To determine MRI parameters, demographics and disease
characteristics associated with cognitive impairment in MS patients.

Background:

Previous studies had shown the role of thalamic volume and total
lesion volume in cognitive function in MS patients. However, more data are
needed regarding the association of other MRI parameters with MS and how they interact to cause cognitive impairment. Demographic characteristics, such as sex,age, education, have been shown to be associated with cognitive impairment in many neurological diseases, but more data regarding demographic characteristics and disease characteristics
association with cognitive impairment in MS patients are needed.

Design/Methods:

The systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to
Preferred Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).New castle
Otawa scale was used to assess risk of bias. Meta analysis was conducted to
assess the association between different variables and risk of cognitive
impairment .

Results:

The systematic review included 13 studies, all of which had low risk of
bias. On meta-analysis Decreased thalamic, putamen, gray matter and white
matter volumes, and increased lesion volume, age, disease duration and
progressive MS status were associated with cognitive impairment. The studies
included in the meta-analysis had low to moderate heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

Of MRI parameters white matter lesion volume had the strongest
association with cognitive impairment.Furthermore, increased risk of cognitive impairment with increased age, disease
duration and progressive MS status indicates the role of neurodegeneration in late MS stages in  cognitive disability in MS patients and help us better predict the risk of cognitive
impairment in these patients.