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[Magnetic resonance imaging in optic nerve lesions with multiple sclerosis]
S Kojima1, K Hirayama, Y Kakisu
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.
No to Shinkei = Brain and Nerve
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected optic nerve lesions in most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, correlating with abnormal visual evoked potentials (VEP). MRI identified lesions in clinically unaffected nerves, suggesting subclinical disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Context:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and neurophysiological tests.
- Optic nerve involvement is common in MS, often presenting as optic neuritis.
- Evaluating subclinical optic nerve changes is crucial for understanding MS progression.
Purpose:
- To compare the sensitivity of short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) MRI sequences with visual evoked potentials (VEP) in detecting optic nerve abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To assess the correlation between MRI findings and clinical presentation in MS patients with optic neuritis.
Summary:
- Short inversion time inversion recovery (STIR) MRI revealed increased signal intensity in 88% of clinically affected optic nerves in 10 MS patients.
- Visual evoked potentials (VEP) were abnormal in 100% of clinically affected optic nerves.
- MRI detected abnormalities in 50% of clinically unaffected optic nerves, with one showing an abnormal VEP, indicating potential subclinical disease.
Impact:
- STIR MRI is a sensitive tool for detecting optic nerve lesions in MS, even in clinically unaffected nerves.
- MRI findings in optic nerves do not directly correlate with the severity of visual acuity loss.
- This study highlights MRI's role in identifying subclinical optic nerve involvement in MS, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring.