Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder marked by progressive neurological impairments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters are key paraclinical measures that play a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of MS-related disability. This study aims to analyze and summarize the existing literature on the correlation between MRI parameters and disability in people with MS (pwMS). Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to July 19, 2024, and a meta-analysis was carried out using R software version 4.4.0 and the random effects model used to determine the pooled correlation coefficient, with its 95% confidence interval (CI), between MRI measurements and disability scales. Results: Among 5741 studies, 383 studies with 39707 pwMS were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) had significant correlations with cervical cord volume (r = -0.51, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.38, I² = 0%, p-heterogeneity = 0.86, p-value<0.01), cortical lesion volume (r = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.53, I² = 68%, p-heterogeneity<0.01, p-value<0.01), brain volume (r = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.33, I² = 41%, p-heterogeneity = 0.05, p-value<0.05), and grey matter volume (GMV) (r = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.21, I² = 0%, p-heterogeneity = 0.53, p-value<0.01), respectively. Conclusion: This study offers evidence suggesting that cortical lesion volume, brain volume, GMV, and MRI measurements of the spinal cord may constitute reliable indicators for assessing disability in pwMS.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world and, when combined with dementia, can lead to immense cerebral volume loss. Of significant importance among all cerebral regions, is the hippocampus. This region plays a pivotal role in memory, and understanding its pathological alterations can answer vital questions regarding dementia. As such, we designed this study to compare the hippocampal volumes of PD patients with dementia (PDD) versus PD without dementia.Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched for relevant studies. We also searched the references sections of all included studies. The original search began in March 2022 and was extended to the end of July 2022. All related data were extracted from the studies. If the studies were conducted on patients from comparable patient groups, the most recent study with the most extensive data set would be included.Results: A statistically significant difference was observed comparing the raw hippocampal volumes in participants with PDD and PD (p value = 0.01). In a comparison of normalized hippocampal volume between PDD and PD, there was a statistically significant difference (p value < 0.01), as well.Conclusion: Although further research is required to illuminate the temporal relation between the onset of dementia and hippocampal atrophy in demented PD individuals, the present study highlights the importance of utilizing volumetric studies on memory‐related cerebral regions to diagnose the initiation of dementia in the early stages.

Background: Dysfunctions of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis can trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Mood disorders comorbid with MS are implicated in the HPA axis activation in most people with MS (pwMS). This study purposed to examine salivary cortisol (SC) levels and their association with mood disorders in pwMS. Methods: Forty‐three men as pwMS and sixteen men as healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. pwMS and HC completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires. SC levels were also measured in pwMS and HC. A linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and mood disorders and SC levels. Pearson’s or Spearman’s tests examined the correlation between SC levels and mood disorders. Results: The SC level, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress were significantly higher in pwMS than in HC ( p < 0.05). pwMS also showed significant correlations between SC levels and role physical ( r = 0.3, p < 0.05) and emotional ( r = 0.34, p < 0.05) in SF‐36. Among SF‐36 domains, only general health ( β = −0.72, p < 0.05) and physical functioning ( β = −1.61, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with disease duration. No correlation was found between SC levels and anxiety, depression, and fatigue ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The pwMS showed mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Only general health and physical functioning as aspects of quality of life were related to disease duration, while SC levels, mood disorders, and other quality‐of‐life domains were not associated with clinical characteristics. Also, this study failed to find a significant role for SC as a valuable marker in approaching mood disorders in pwMS.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon disorder with an increased mortality risk. Data on the sex-specific clinical profile and related factors can be practical in clinical diagnosis and management. Thus, we aimed to assess CVST characteristics in Shahrekord, the most elevated city among the centers of the provinces of Iran, referred to as the Roof of Iran. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we reviewed the hospital records of 127 CVST patients between April 2013 and June 2023 to analyze the demographic characteristics, clinical profile, disease outcomes, and risk factors. STROBE guidelines were used to report this study. Females comprised 65.3% of the study. Females’ age was almost equal to male patients (37.51 ± 13.95 years vs 38.09 ± 16.18 years, P = .832), and more than half of the patients (59.1%) were married. Clinical characteristics showed no significant difference between the sexes. In contrast to males, females had multifarious risk factors. However, the main risk factors for both sexes were CVST and hypertension. Most patients had 1 sinus affected (55.9%), and the location of thrombosis was mainly in the right transverse sinus in males (38.63%) and superior sagittal sinus in females (33.73%). However, those with more than 2 affected sinuses were mostly women. Regarding radiological findings, sinusitis was significantly seen in men (18.18% vs 3.61%). Among laboratory data, females significantly had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels than males (21.66 ± 24.39 vs 9.60 ± 8.55). This study indicates that among CVST patients, men have significantly higher occurrences of sinusitis, and higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed in women. However, no other significant differences were found. More extensive studies are essential to fully comprehend the sex-specific aspects of CVST.

Sleep disorders are commonly noted in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). These disorders are often underestimated due to the tendency of individuals to focus on their more noticeable physical symptoms. This study aimed to survey factors affecting the sleep disorders of PwMS in Iran. This cross-sectional study recruited PwMS from the Isfahan Province of Iran. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group, STOP-Bang, Berlin, and the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaires were employed to evaluate the severity of sleep disorders. Seven hundred ninety-six PwMS (693 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 103 patients with secondary-progressive MS) were included in the current study. 12.69% and 11.56% of patients were at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires, respectively. Also, 49.5% and 48.87% of participants experienced insomnia and severe restless legs syndrome (RLS), respectively. According to multivariable logistic regression, age (OR = 1.042, p = 0.001; OR = 1.041, p = 0.002) and gender (OR = 2.906, p < 0.001; OR = 2.491, p = 0.001) were associated with the STOP-Bang and Berlin scores, respectively. Also, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was associated with RLS (OR = 1.253, p < 0.001). Sleep disorders, such as RLS, insomnia, and OSA, are highly prevalent among PwMS in Iran. Physicians should consider additional clinical characteristics, such as EDSS, when managing RLS. Moreover, demographic features, such as age and gender, significantly impact the risk of developing OSA.