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Open Access 01-10-2015 | Review Article

MRI in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis: An Update

Authors: M. P. Wattjes, M. D. Steenwijk, MSc, M. Stangel, MD

Published in: Clinical Neuroradiology | Special Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most powerful tool for the early (differential) diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been part of the International Panel criteria (2001, 2005, 2010) for more than 10 years. The role of brain and spinal cord MRI in the diagnosis of MS is well established. New MR techniques and markers will further improve the diagnostic value in a research and clinical routine setting. In addition to diagnosis, MRI is widely used for prognostic evaluation as well as treatment efficacy and safety monitoring. This field has gained importance with the introduction of new MS therapeutics. Therefore, the scope of MRI-guided MS disease monitoring has been widened to include rigorous treatment monitoring aiming at “no evidence of disease activity (NEDA)”. Next, safety monitoring of treated MS patients has become major concern to enable early detection of opportunistic infections such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Driven by these new developments, recently published expert panel guidelines stressed the need for standardized imaging protocols and targeted specialized imaging markers for MS diagnosis and disease monitoring. This review article aims to give an update on the role of MRI in the diagnosis and monitoring of MS with particular emphasis to treatment efficacy and safety, both in clinical practice and in research.

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Title: MRI in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis: An Update
Authors: M. P. Wattjes
M. D. Steenwijk, MSc
M. Stangel, MD
Publication date: 01-10-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Neuroradiology / Issue Special Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1869-1439
Electronic ISSN: 1869-1447
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00062-015-0430-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

MRI in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis: An Update

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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