New T2 lesions enable an earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in clinically isolated syndromes.
In clinically isolated syndromes, the new McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis diagnosis require new gadolinium-enhancing lesions for dissemination in time at a 3-month follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan. In a cohort of 56 patients, these criteria were specific (95%) but less sensitive (58%) for clinically definite multiple sclerosis at 3 years. If new T2 lesions were allowed as an alternative for dissemination in time, sensitivity increased (74%) with maintained specificity (92%), enabling an accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in more patients.
NMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, United Kingdom.
Catherine M
CM
Dalton
Peter A
PA
Brex
Katherine A
KA
Miszkiel
Kryshani
K
Fernando
David G
DG
MacManus
Gordon T
GT
Plant
Alan J
AJ
Thompson
David H
DH
Miller
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index