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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Clinically isolated acute transverse myelitis: prognostic features and incidence
John Young1, Stephen Quinn, Mike Hurrell
1Department of Neurology, Christchurch Public Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|October 9, 2009
Summary
Acute transverse myelitis (ATM) can precede multiple sclerosis (MS). Abnormal brain MRI strongly predicts MS conversion in ATM patients, with higher incidence rates observed in North Canterbury, New Zealand.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimmunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Demyelinating acute transverse myelitis (ATM) can be an initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) or a clinically isolated syndrome.
- North Canterbury, New Zealand, offers a defined population for studying ATM incidence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine prognostic features, clinical outcomes, and incidence of ATM in North Canterbury.
- To assess the predictive value of brain MRI findings for conversion to clinically definite MS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 61 ATM patients diagnosed between 2001-2005.
- Assessment of clinical data, MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid findings.
- Application of CHAMPS, Barkhof/Tintore, and Swanton criteria for brain MRI analysis.
Main Results:
- Fifty percent of ATM patients with brain lesions on MRI converted to clinically definite MS.
- Abnormal brain MRI (CHAMPS, Barkhof/Tintore, Swanton criteria) was strongly associated with MS conversion (HR 4.53-6.43).
- The age-standardized annual incidence of ATM was 24.6 per million, higher than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic ATM patients have a low risk of conversion to clinically definite MS.
- Abnormal brain MRI is a sensitive predictor of MS conversion in ATM patients.
- The incidence of ATM in North Canterbury is notably higher than previously documented.
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