MRI mimics of multiple sclerosis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is based on the demonstration of dissemination of lesions in space (DIS) and in time (DIT), as well as on the exclusion of an alternative neurologic disorder. As a paraclinical tool brain and/or spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), showing typical lesion morphology, characteristic distribution of lesions, or involvement or specific anatomic structures, can support the diagnosis of MS. But from an imaging perspective a considerable amount of inherited and acquired disorders may manifest with radiologic evidence of DIT, DIS, or both. Hypoxic-ischemic vasculopathy, specially small-vessel disease, inflammatory disorders, vasculitis, and non-MS idiopathic inflammatory disorders, as well as some toxic, metabolic, and infectious disorders, may present mimicking MS on MR examinations and should be included in the differential diagnosis of MS-like lesions. Careful evaluation of associated findings on MRI, the so-called MRI red flags, such as the presence of infarcts, microbleeds, meningeal enhancement, and calcifications among others, are very helpful in suggesting a diagnosis other than MS. Complement MRI findings to patient's history, demographics, and serologic findings are crucial to achieve the correct diagnosis. We will review the most frequent radiologic appearance and differential features from the most frequent MS mimickers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Clinical Neurology
Pages291-316
Number of pages26
Volume122
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Publication series

NameHandbook of Clinical Neurology
PublisherElsevier

Keywords

  • Brain/pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
  • Multiple Sclerosis/diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord/pathology

Cite this