Magnetic resonance imaging in monitoring the treatment of multiple sclerosis: concerted action guidelines.
Serial gadolinium enhanced MRI of the brain detects much clinically silent disease activity in early relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and thus has an important role in monitoring the effects of therapy. Based on the proceedings of a recent Commission of the European Communities (CEC) workshop and a review of the literature, guidelines are presented for using MRI to monitor treatment trials in MS. The guidelines consider: A) MRI system and techniques; B) patient selection; C) trial design; D) analysis of results. Priorities for future research are also indicated.
University Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
D H
DH
Miller
F
F
Barkhof
I
I
Berry
L
L
Kappos
G
G
Scotti
A J
AJ
Thompson
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000473:pathology