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Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
[Radiologically isolated syndrome - MRI criteria and management tactic]
V V Bryukhov1, E V Popova2, I A Krotenkova1
1Interregional Department of Multiple Sclerosis at Moscow Clinical Hospital #24, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
The use of brain MRI for the diagnosis of neurological diseases has increased significantly over the past two decades. This has led to an increase in the discovery of chance findings, with asymptomatic lesions in the white matter being most frequent. Based on radiological criteria, these findings can be interpreted as demyelinating lesions in some cases. However, in the absence of clinical symptoms characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS), a diagnosis of MS can't be made in the patients with these incidental findings. These patients now met a diagnosis of radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). Diagnostic and clinical approaches to patients with RIS are discussed in this article.
Insights
Brain MRI scans increasingly reveal asymptomatic white matter lesions. Patients with these incidental findings, without multiple sclerosis symptoms, are diagnosed with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Brain MRI utilization has surged in neurological disease diagnosis over 20 years.
- Increased MRI use leads to more incidental findings, particularly asymptomatic white matter lesions.
- These lesions, by radiological standards, can mimic demyelinating conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS).
- To discuss diagnostic and clinical management strategies for RIS patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiological criteria for white matter lesions.
- Analysis of diagnostic pathways for incidental MRI findings.
- Clinical evaluation of patients presenting with asymptomatic lesions.
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic white matter lesions are common incidental findings on brain MRI.
- Patients with these lesions but no clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are diagnosed with RIS.
- Current diagnostic and clinical approaches for RIS are outlined.
Conclusions:
- Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is a distinct entity characterized by incidental white matter lesions on MRI without clinical MS symptoms.
- Management requires careful consideration of diagnostic criteria and clinical follow-up.
- Further research into the clinical progression and treatment of RIS is warranted.
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