Correlation between the clinical disability and T1 hypointense lesions’ volume in cerebral magnetic resonance imaging of multiple sclerosis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the correlation between T1 hypointense lesions’ mean volume on cerebral MRI with disability level of patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: We included studies testing the desired outcome in adult patients diagnosed with RRMS or SPMS. In Feb 2021, we searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science to find relevant studies. All included studies were assessed for the risk of bias using a tailored version of the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Extracted correlation coefficients were converted to the Fisher's z scale, and a meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model was performed on the results. RESULTS: We included 27 studies (1919 participants). Meta‐analysis revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.32 (95% CI 0.26–0.37) between T1 hypointense lesions’ mean volume and EDSS score. DISCUSSION: The correlation between T1 hypointense lesions’ mean volume and EDSS was interpreted as low to slightly moderate. The certainty of the evidence was judged to be high.