Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

Modification of MRI criteria for multiple sclerosis in patients with clinically isolated syndromes.

Swanton JK, Fernando K, Dalton CM, Miszkiel KA, Thompson AJ, Plant GT, Miller DH

NMR Research Unit, 6th Floor, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.

BACKGROUND: The McDonald criteria include MRI evidence for dissemination in space and dissemination in time for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in young adult patients who present with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) typical of the disease. Although a major advance, the criteria have limited sensitivity for making an early diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of McDonald criteria and modified McDonald criteria for dissemination in space and time for assessing the development of clinically definite multiple sclerosis. METHODS: McDonald criteria were modified using the combination of a less stringent definition for dissemination in space and allowing a new T2 lesion per se after three months as evidence for dissemination in time. Modified and McDonald criteria were applied in 90 CIS patients at baseline and at three month follow up scans. RESULTS: Both criteria were highly specific (>90%) but the modified criteria were more sensitive (77% v 46%) and more accurate (86% v 73%). CONCLUSIONS: These modified criteria should be evaluated in other CIS cohorts.

Published 21 June 2006 in J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 77(7): 830-3.
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