title: The prognosis of idiopathic optic neuritis.
abstract: We evaluated the risk of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) after acute isolated optic neuritis in 102 patients in a follow-up study (duration 6.5 +/- 2.0 years). The probability of CDMS was 13% after 2 years, 30% after 4 years, 38% after 6 years, and 49% after 8 and 10 years. CDMS occurred in 42 (59%) of 71 patients with brain lesions detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). No patient with normal MRI exam developed the disease. Patients with 3 or more MRI-detected lesions presented a shorter first interattack interval and a higher relapse rate compared to subjects with only 1 or 2 lesions. The predictive value of CSF examination and of evoked potentials was poor.
authors.affiliation: Multiple Sclerosis Center, Gallarate Hospital, University of Milan, VA, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghezzi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martinelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodegher
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaffaroni
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Comi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors