title: Comparison of neurophysiological and MRI findings of patients with multiple sclerosis using oligoclonal band technique.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The correlation of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and intrathecal IgG synthesis are not yet clear in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we investigated the OCB situation and IgG index, cranial and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and also compared visual evoked potentials (VEP) and somatosensorial evoked potentials (SEP) in order to better understand the OCB pattern and pathogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study included 40 patients (19 male, 21 female, mean age 29 ± 4,24) with precise MS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen of the patients were OCB negative, and 24 patients were positive. The different between the OCB situation and number of plaques in cranial and cervical MRI, atrophy, oedema and contrast material retention were insignificant. The different between the OCB situation and VEP and SEP were insignificant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These laboratory findings are all specific, all developing via independent mechanisms and are not related to each other during the silence periods of patients.
authors.affiliation: Central laboratories of Antalya Education and Research Hospital of Ministry of Health, Antalya;
authors.forename: Hamit Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Ellidag
authors.affiliation: Antalya Public Health Center of Ministry of Health, Antalya;
authors.forename: Esin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eren
authors.affiliation: Radiology clinic;
authors.forename: Nezahat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Erdogan
authors.affiliation: Neurology clinic of Izmir Ataturk Education and Research Hospital of Ministry of Health, Izmir, TURKEY.
authors.forename: Sabiha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ture
authors.affiliation: Central laboratories of Antalya Education and Research Hospital of Ministry of Health, Antalya;
authors.forename: Necat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
keywords: Isoelectrical focusing; Magnetic resonance imaging; Multiple sclerosis; Oligoclonal band