Modification of MRI criteria for multiple sclerosis in patients with clinically isolated syndromes.
BACKGROUND
The McDonald criteria include MRI evidence for dissemination in space and dissemination in time for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in young adult patients who present with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) typical of the disease. Although a major advance, the criteria have limited sensitivity for making an early diagnosis.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the performance of McDonald criteria and modified McDonald criteria for dissemination in space and time for assessing the development of clinically definite multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
McDonald criteria were modified using the combination of a less stringent definition for dissemination in space and allowing a new T2 lesion per se after three months as evidence for dissemination in time. Modified and McDonald criteria were applied in 90 CIS patients at baseline and at three month follow up scans.


RESULTS
Both criteria were highly specific (>90%) but the modified criteria were more sensitive (77% v 46%) and more accurate (86% v 73%).


CONCLUSIONS
These modified criteria should be evaluated in other CIS cohorts.
Swanton
J K
JK
NMR Research Unit, 6th Floor, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
Fernando
K
K
Dalton
C M
CM
Miszkiel
K A
KA
Thompson
A J
AJ
Plant
G T
GT
Miller
D H
DH
D015331:Cohort Studies; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013577:Syndrome; D013997:Time Factors
D005682:Gadolinium