Images of CL from DIR scans (A, C, E) and PSIR scans (B, D, F) from three different patients.

<p>(a), two IC lesions (arrows) are observed on DIR (A) and confirmed on PSIR (B) images. (b), two IC lesions (arrows) are detected on DIR (C) and confirmed on PSIR (D) images. However, an additional ‘linear’ IC lesion can be observed on PSIR (arrow head); this lesion was not identified at the first analysis of DIR scan, but its signal intensity was re-evaluated as an IC lesion after PSIR analysis. (c), a LC (mixed) lesion is observed on PSIR (F), but not on DIR scan given the weak signal.</p

The number and volume of eVRS are higher in RRMS patients compared to age-matched CIS patients.

<p>PSIR images showing the WM of the convexities of a normal control (NC) subject, a patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of MS (the patients had dissemination in space of T2 lesions and the presence of oligoclonal IgG in the CSF) and a relapsing-remitting MS patients. The three subjects were matched for age. While eVRS are not observed in HC, their number and volume were significantly higher in RRMS compared to CIS.</p

Enlarged Virchow Robin spaces associate with cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis - Fig 4

<p><b>The comparison of PSIR (a,c,e,g) and FLAIR (b,d,f,h) images allows a clear discrimination of eVRS from white matter and grey matter lesions.</b> In (a) and (b) several round-shaped (circle) and one stripe-like (rectangle) eVSR are clearly identified on PSIR, while on the FLAIR image they can hardly be recognised. A cluster of small inflammatory lesions that appear hypointense in PSIR and hyperintense in FLAIR are visible in (c) and (d). The comparison of PSIR and FLAIR images is necessary to discriminate small inflammatory lesions from eVRS. Several eVRS can be observed in the basal ganglia in (e) and (f): also in this case PSIR significantly improves the evaluation of their number and volume. In (g) and (f) some eVRS (rectangles) are observed in the convexity of a CIS patient (* indicates a mixed white/grey matter lesion).</p

Volumes and numbers of eVRS obtained on PSIR, T1 and FLAIR images.

<p>Volumes and numbers of eVRS obtained on PSIR, T1 and FLAIR images.</p

Demographic and clinical features of patients and healthy controls included in the study.

<p>Demographic and clinical features of patients and healthy controls included in the study.</p

White matter MRI parameters in MSON+ and MSON-.

<p>Results are reported as median (IQR). P-values were obtained from GEE model. GEE analysis was performed at eye-level. White Matter Lesion Volume: WMLV; percentage of WMLV: WMLV%; optic radiation WMLV: OR-WMLV; percentage of OR-WMLV: OR-WMLV%. Other abbreviations as in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0183957#pone.0183957.t001" target="_blank">Table 1</a>.</p

Clinical and demographic parameters of all the subjects included in the study.

<p>Clinical and demographic parameters of all the subjects included in the study.</p

Cortical thickness values in MSON-, HC-MRI and MSON+.

<p>Cortical thickness values in MSON-, HC-MRI and MSON+.</p

Correlations between RNFL and cortical thickness.

<p>Correlations between RNFL and cortical thickness.</p

Comparison of the RNFL’s sector values.

<p>Healthy Controls: HC-OCT; Not Optic Neuritis MS patients: MSON-; Optic Neuritis MS patients: MSON+; affected eye MSON+: aON+; not affected eye MS ON+: naON+.</p