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Multiple sclerosis in adolescents: CT and MR findings
A G Osborn1, H R Harnsberger, W R Smoker
1Department of Radiology, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Adolescent multiple sclerosis (MS) presents differently than adult MS, with more females affected and more severe infratentorial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to computed tomography (CT) for detecting MS lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Understanding age-specific differences in MS presentation is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging findings in adolescents with MS to those reported in adults.
- To identify unique characteristics of MS in the adolescent population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of MR and CT imaging findings in 12 adolescent patients diagnosed with MS.
- Comparison of adolescent findings with published data on adult MS patients.
Main Results:
- Adolescents exhibited a greater female predominance, more severe disease, and more frequent infratentorial involvement compared to adults.
- Cortical atrophy and basal ganglia iron accumulation were rare in adolescents.
- MR imaging demonstrated higher sensitivity than CT in detecting demyelinating plaques.
- No correlation was found between symptom severity and disease extent or location in either group.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent multiple sclerosis has distinct radiological features compared to adult MS, including a female predominance and more infratentorial lesions.
- MRI is the preferred imaging modality for detecting MS lesions due to its superior sensitivity over CT.