title: Evidence-based guidelines: MAGNIMS consensus guidelines on the use of MRI in multiple sclerosis-clinical implementation in the diagnostic process.
abstract: The clinical use of MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has advanced markedly over the past few years. Technical improvements and continuously emerging data from clinical trials and observational studies have contributed to the enhanced performance of this tool for achieving a prompt diagnosis in patients with MS. The aim of this article is to provide guidelines for the implementation of MRI of the brain and spinal cord in the diagnosis of patients who are suspected of having MS. These guidelines are based on an extensive review of the recent literature, as well as on the personal experience of the members of the MAGNIMS (Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MS) network. We address the indications, timing, coverage, reporting and interpretation of MRI studies in patients with suspected MS. Our recommendations are intended to help radiologists and neurologists standardize and optimize the use of MRI in clinical practice for the diagnosis of MS.
authors.affiliation: Magnetic Resonance Unit, Cemcat, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Àlex
authors.initials: À
authors.lastname: Rovira
authors.affiliation: MS Centre Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mike P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Wattjes
authors.affiliation: Neurology/Neuroimmunology Unit, Cemcat, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Mar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tintoré
authors.affiliation: Neurology/Neuroimmunology Unit, Cemcat, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tur
authors.affiliation: Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, UCLH National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Institute of Neurology, UK.
authors.forename: Tarek A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Yousry
authors.affiliation: Biostatistics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sormani
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De Stefano
authors.affiliation: Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Filippi
authors.affiliation: Magnetic Resonance Unit, Cemcat, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Auger
authors.affiliation: Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rocca
authors.affiliation: MS Centre Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Frederik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barkhof
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fazekas
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ludwig
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kappos
authors.affiliation: MS Centre Amsterdam, VU University Medical Centre, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Polman
authors.affiliation: NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Centre, University College London Institute of Neurology, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Magnetic Resonance Unit, Cemcat, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Montalban
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D032921:Consensus; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008499:Medical Records; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media