Results of databases searching.

BackgroundMultiple 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).MethodsThe 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.ResultsAmong 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-value2 = 68%, p-heterogeneityp-value2 = 41%, p-heterogeneity = 0.05, p-value2 = 0%, p-heterogeneity = 0.53, p-valueConclusionThis 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.