[Demyelinating lesions as an incidental finding in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain--what shall I tell the patient].
Incidentally found brain lesions will increase as magnetic resonance imaging of the brain becomes more common. What should be told to a patient, who has undergone brain imaging e.g. for headaches, and the image reveals lesions compatible with multiple sclerosis? A demyelinating lesion should be related with the patient's age, other diseases, earlier symptom history and results of a clinical neurological examination. Multiple sclerosis cannot be diagnosed merely based on magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical monitoring is required if a significant number of plaques typical of multiple sclerosis is present.
Airas
Laura
L
TYKS:n, Neurologian Klinikka, PL, Turku.
D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*