Diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis: 2005 revisions to the "McDonald Criteria".
New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis integrating magnetic resonance image assessment with clinical and other paraclinical methods were introduced in 2001. The "McDonald Criteria" have been extensively assessed and used since 2001. New evidence and consensus now strengthen the role of these criteria in the multiple sclerosis diagnostic workup to demonstrate dissemination of lesions in time, to clarify the use of spinal cord lesions, and to simplify diagnosis of primary progressive disease. The 2005 Revisions to the McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS should simplify and speed diagnosis, whereas maintaining adequate sensitivity and specificity.
Polman
Chris H
CH
VU Medical Center Amsterdam, Free University, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ch.polman@vumc.nl
Reingold
Stephen C
SC
Edan
Gilles
G
Filippi
Massimo
M
Hartung
Hans-Peter
HP
Kappos
Ludwig
L
Lublin
Fred D
FD
Metz
Luanne M
LM
McFarland
Henry F
HF
O'Connor
Paul W
PW
Sandberg-Wollheim
Magnhild
M
Thompson
Alan J
AJ
Weinshenker
Brian G
BG
Wolinsky
Jerry S
JS
D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009462:Neurology / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic