Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. In this study, we applied a deep learning-based approach using the StyleGAN model to explore patterns related to MS and predict disease progression in magnetic resonance images (MRI). METHODS: We trained the StyleGAN model unsupervised using T(1)-weighted GRE MR images and diffusion-based ADC maps of MS patients and healthy controls. We then used the trained model to resample MR images from real input data and modified them by manipulations in the latent space to simulate MS progression. We analyzed the resulting simulation-related patterns mimicking disease progression by comparing the intensity profiles of the original and manipulated images and determined the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF). RESULTS: Our results show that MS progression can be simulated by manipulating MR images in the latent space, as evidenced by brain volume loss on both T(1)-weighted and ADC maps and increasing lesion extent on ADC maps. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of the StyleGAN model in medical imaging to study image markers and to shed more light on the relationship between brain atrophy and MS progression through corresponding manipulations in the latent space.