2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis: Earlier diagnosis with reduced specificity?

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
11:35

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

Published on: June 30, 2014

58.6K

Francesca Gobbin1, Mattia Zanoni1, Antonio Marangi1

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona and Neurology Unit B, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10 37134 Verona, Italy.

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|January 19, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The 2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis demonstrate higher sensitivity in identifying patients with an initial demyelinating event (IDE). However, these criteria show reduced specificity compared to the 2010 criteria.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Diagnostic Criteria
  • Neuroimmunology

Background:

  • The McDonald criteria are essential for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The criteria were updated in 2017, necessitating an evaluation of their diagnostic performance.
  • Previous iterations of the criteria have been refined to improve MS diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the 2017 McDonald criteria against the 2010 criteria.
  • To assess the sensitivity and specificity of both 2017 and 2010 McDonald criteria.
  • To evaluate these criteria in patients experiencing an initial demyelinating event (IDE).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patients presenting with an initial demyelinating event (IDE).
  • Collection of clinical, MRI, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data.
  • Assessment of diagnostic fulfillment based on both 2010 and 2017 McDonald criteria.

Main Results:

  • The 2017 McDonald criteria achieved 100% sensitivity (95% CI: 86.8-100%).
  • Specificity for the 2017 criteria was 13.8% (95% CI: 3.9-31.7%).
  • The 2017 criteria demonstrated higher sensitivity but lower specificity than the 2010 criteria.

Conclusions:

  • The 2017 McDonald criteria offer improved sensitivity for diagnosing MS after an IDE.
  • A trade-off exists, with the 2017 criteria showing decreased specificity compared to the 2010 criteria.
  • Further research may be needed to optimize the specificity of the 2017 McDonald criteria.

More Related Videos

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment12:18

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

7.8K
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla08:51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

9.6K

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...