title: Diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Because no one laboratory test is diagnostic of multiple sclerosis, evaluation involves careful exclusion of other possible diagnoses. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable tool in this process. Clues from a scan can confirm findings from the history and physical and laboratory examinations. Dr Scott compares typical findings of multiple sclerosis with those of the four diseases that are sometimes mistaken for this syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Scott
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology