Sensory (VEP, BAEP, SEP) and motor-evoked potentials, liquoral and magnetic resonance findings in multiple sclerosis.
In order to define the most suitable instrumental protocol for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), 41 patients with definite (D = 14), probable (P = 14) and suspected (S = 13) MS were examined with CSF immunology, brain MRI and multimodal evoked potentials. The central motor tracts were also tested. The following alteration rates were found: MRI = 78%, CSF = 63.6%, VEP = 70.0%, median nerve SEP = 50%, peroneal nerve SEP = 68.0%, BAEPs = 35.7%, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) = 74.0%. Altogether, EPs were abnormal in 90% of cases. Normal MRI with altered EPs were found in 22% of cases, whilst a normal EP battery with defective CSF or MRI findings were found in 7%. Twenty-six out of 27 patients with P or S forms were reclassified into a D one when considering EPs and MRI features.
Rossini
P M
PM
Department of Public Health, Second University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy.
Zarola
F
F
Floris
R
R
Bernardi
G
G
Perretti
A
A
Pelosi
L
L
Caruso
G
G
Caramia
M D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D007142:Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007142:Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains