Multiple sclerosis (MS): other MRI differentials

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Multiple sclerosis (MS): other MRI differentials. This shows confluent lesions usually in the anterior temporal poles.

CADASIL

  • This shows confluent lesions usually in the anterior temporal poles
  • There are also lesions in the thalamus, brainstem, and external capsule
  • Microbleeds are often seen on gradient echo MRI

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS)

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Small vessel disease (SVD)

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Infective differentials

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Brain tumours

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Other radiological differentials

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

Acronym

Locked: subscribe to see this section.

References

  1. Charil A, Yousry TA, Rovaris M. MRI and the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: expanding the concept of “no better explanation”. Lancet Neurol 2006; 5:841-852.
  2. Falini A, Kesavadas C, Pontesilli S, Rovaris M, Scotti G. Differential diagnosis of posterior fossa multiple sclerosis lesions-neuroradiological aspects. Neurol Sci 2001; 22:S79-S83.
  3. Bastianello S, Pichiecchio A, Spadaro M, et al. Atypical multiple sclerosis: MRI findings and differentials. Neurol Sci 2004; S356-S360.
  4. Samaraweera APR, Falah Y, Pitiot A, Dineen RA, Morgan PS, Evangelou N. The MRI central vein marker; differentiating PPMS from RRMS and ischemic SVD. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2018; 5:e496. 
  5. Lin X, Yu W-Y, Liauw L, et al. Clinicoradiologic features distinguish tumefactive multiple sclerosis from CNS neoplasms. Neurol Clin Pract 2017; 7:53-64.

Related checklists

Loading...