Dentate nucleus T1 hyperintensity in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients is associated with cumulative gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) administration (S6.007)

Objective: To evaluate the association between cumulative doses of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) administration and increased signal intensity (SI) within the dentate nucleus (DN) on MRI unenhanced T1-weighted images (WI) in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Background: Recently, several studies reported increased SI of the DN on unenhanced T1-WI as a possible consequence of multiple applications of GBCA. However, previous studies did not account for all GBCA doses received form the disease onset, and did not include patients in the very early phase of the disease. Design/Methods Two hundred and three (n=203) early RRMS patients and 262 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were selected for this retrospective study. RRMS patients had to have been followed in our center from disease onset, and had to have Results: The mean follow-up from first to last MRI scan was 53.2 months, and the mean number of scans with GBCA was 9.2 (median 8, interquartile ratio 8). The mean DPSIR in RRMS patients was 1.055 vs 1.038 in HC (p=0.002) and the mean DPSIR was 1.064 in 109 RRMS patients who received >8 Gd-DTPA doses vs. 1.045 in 94 patients who received ≤7 Gd-DTPA doses (p=0.005). There was a significant correlation between number of Gd-DTPA doses and DSIR (r=0.26, p Conclusions: Dentate nucleus T1 hyperintensity in early RRMS patients is associated with cumulative Gd-DTPA administration. Disclosure: Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Robert Zivadinov received personal compensation from EMD Serono, Genzyme-Sanofi, Claret Medical, Celgene and Novartis for speaking and consultant fees.. Dr. Zivadinov has received research support from RZ received financial support for research activities from Genzyme-Sanofi, Novartis, Claret Medical, Intekrin-Coherus and Quintiles IMS.. Dr. Hagemeier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bergsland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ramasamy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kolb has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Channa Kolb has received speaker honoraria and consultant fees from EMD Serono, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Acorda, Novartis, Genzyme and Biogen-Idec.. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Bianca Weinstock- Guttman received honoraria as a speaker and as a consultant for Biogen Idec, Teva Pharmaceuticals, EMD Serono, Genzyme&Sanofi, Novartis and Acorda.. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received research support from Dr Weinstock-Guttman received research funds from Biogen Idec, Teva Pharmaceuticals, EMD Serono, Genzyme&Sanofi, Novartis, Acorda.. Dr. Hojnacki has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with David Hojnacki has received speaker honoraria and consultant fees from Biogen Idec, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., EMD Serono, Pfizer Inc, and Novartis..