MRI and multiple sclerosis-the evolving role of MRI in the diagnosis and management of MS: a clinician's perspective

Ir J Med Sci. 2018 May;187(2):493-498. doi: 10.1007/s11845-017-1691-z. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Abstract

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on a history consistent with demyelination of the central nervous system and corresponding physical signs on examination. However, this diagnosis is supported radiologically using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). At present, MRI serves as the most reliable and widely available biomarker for the practising clinician to measure disease activity and treatment response in MS. As MRI remains central to both the diagnosis and management of MS, this paper provides proposed guidelines for its use in routine clinical practice.

Keywords: Disease-modifying drugs; MRI; MS; PML.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology