Spinal cord and brain corticospinal tract lesions are associated with motor progression in tumefactive multiple sclerosis.

Background: Spinal cord lesions have been associated with progressive disease in individuals with typical relapsing remitting MS (RRMS).

Objective: In the current study, we aimed to determine if progressive disease is associated with spinal cord lesions in those with tumefactive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Retrospective chart review of individuals presenting to Mayo Clinic with tumefactive MS with spinal cord MRIs available (n=159). Clinical data were extracted by chart review. Brain and spinal cord MRIs were reviewed to characterize the tumefactive demyelinating lesion(s) and assess the burden of spinal cord disease.

Results: A total of 69 (43%) had spinal cord lesions. Progressive demyelinating disease was documented in 13 (8%); the majority (11/13) with secondary progressive disease. The method of progression was myelopathic in 8/13 (62%), cognitive in 3/13 (23%), motor from a supratentorial lesion in 2/13 (16%). EDSS at last follow-up was higher in those with progression than those without (median 6.0 (2.0-10.0) vs. 2.5 (0-10.0), p = < 0.001). Progressive demyelinating disease occurred in a minority.

Conclusions: Patients with progression typically experienced progressive motor impairment, and this occurred exclusively in individuals with lesions in the corticospinal tracts of the brain and/or the spinal cord.