Evaluating the Clinical Utility of TSPO-PET in MS and the Influence of Methodological Heterogeneity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Arian Madani Neishaboori, Mansi Agarwal, Ally Kalinsky et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated TSPO-PET imaging in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to healthy controls. The analysis of 49 studies found a significantly increased TSPO-PET signal in people with MS (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.61, p = 0.0002), with higher signals in progressive MS compared to relapsing-remitting MS. Methodological factors contributed to study heterogeneity.
Key findings
- TSPO-PET signal was significantly higher in PwMS compared to HCs (SMD = 0.44, p = 0.0002).
- Progressive MS showed a higher TSPO-PET signal than relapsing-remitting MS.
- Heterogeneity in TSPO-PET outcomes was attributed to tracer and quantification method differences.
- Significant associations were found between TSPO-PET signal and disability measures.
Why it matters
Understanding the differences in TSPO-PET signals between MS subtypes can aid in the assessment of neuroinflammation and potentially guide treatment strategies. Methodological standardization is crucial for improving the reliability of TSPO-PET findings in clinical practice.