Given the need for better diagnostic imaging techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS), the study aims to investigate the utility of \[F-18\]FDG positron emission tomography (PET) in MS. The study will be assessing glucose consumption patterns in subjects with progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), as well as healthy controls. PET will be compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion load and brain atrophy, and serum and blood biomarkers, as well as clinical measures of physical disability, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and depression. This study's findings may pave a path for integrating \[F-18\]FDG-PET in routine clinical practice for MS, improving patient experiences and outcomes.
The specific aims of the study are:
Aim 1: To compare glucose consumption in the brain in subjects with progressive MS, relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and healthy controls, using the radiolabeled glucose analogue 18-fluorodeoxyglucose, also known as \[F-18\]FDG.
Aim 2: To compare the relationship between FDG-PET and standard 3T MRI measures including global and regional brain atrophy and lesion load, and to compare FDG-PET with MRI in terms of their relationship with clinical measures of physical disability, cognitive impairment, fatigue and depression in MS subjects.
Aim 3: To assess the relationship of FDG-PET with serum and blood biomarkers, including but not limited to sNfL, GFAP, IL-6, and TNF in MS.