Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage the spinal cord. This damage is strongly linked to physical disability and disease progression. However, current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are not sensitive enough to reliably detect small changes in the spinal cord over time. This makes it harder for doctors to accurately monitor disease activity and progression. Dr Koren says people with MS often express frustration that their MS is worsening but there is no clear evidence of this on their MRI scan. This project aims to improve how spinal cord damage is detected and measured in people with MS.
Dr Tal Koren will analyse existing MRI scans from people with MS who have had spinal cord imaging over several years. He will measure areas of damage and changes in spinal cord size over time. These scans will be used to develop and train an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can automatically detect and track spinal cord damage across multiple timepoints.
He will then recruit adults with MS who are already undergoing routine MRI scans. In addition to the standard scans, participants will receive a newer, high-resolution 3D MRI scan of the spinal cord. He will compare the standard scans with the 3D scans to determine whether the new method can detect more lesions or more subtle changes, and to test the AI model. He will also examine how these imaging findings relate to clinical disability.
Overall, this study aims to develop more accurate and automated ways for tracking spinal cord damage in MS, which could improve how disease progression is monitored over time. More sensitive tools also help decide whether treatment is working effectively or should be revisited.
$120,000
2027
2.5 years
Current project
