Multiple sclerosis (MS): magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): protocol
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Multiple sclerosis (MS): magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): protocol. Investigation of clinically suspected MS. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Indications for MRI in MS
- Investigation of clinically suspected MS
- Monitoring of confirmed MS
- Monitoring of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)
- Monitoring of radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS)
- Assessment before and after treatment changes
- Assessment of clinical relapse
- Assessment of suspected pseudo-relapses
- Investigation of unexpected clinical worsening
- Assessment of suspected progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)
Indications for MRI imaging of the spinal cord
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MRI follow up: protocol
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MRI follow up: indications for more frequent imaging
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MRI follow up: protocol in CIS
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Recommended MRI sequences: diagnostic
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Recommended MRI sequences: follow up
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MRI equipment requirements
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MRI contrast administration guidelines
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References
- Vågberg M, Axelsson M, Birgander R, et al. Guidelines for the use of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment of multiple sclerosis: recommendations of the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Association and the Swedish Neuroradiological Society. Acta Neurol Scand 2017; 135:17-24.
- Rovira À, Wattjes MP, Tintoré M, et al; MAGNIMS study group. Evidence-based guidelines: MAGNIMS consensus guidelines on the use of MRI in multiple sclerosis-clinical implementation in the diagnostic process. Nat Rev Neurol 2015; 11:471-482.
- Karimian-Jazi K, Wildemann B, Diem R, et al. Gd contrast administration is dispensable in patients with MS without new T2 lesions on follow-up MRI. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2018; 5:e480.
Related checklists
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): general investigations
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): features
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): inflammatory MRI differentials
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): other MRI differentials
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): ophthalmological tests
