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2017 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis: Earlier diagnosis with reduced specificity?
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.
Background:
McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis were revised in 2017.
Objective:
Aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the sensitivity and specificity of 2017 and 2010 McDonald criteria in patients presenting with an initial demyelinating event (IDE).
Methods:
We retrospectively identified patients with an IDE and collected clinical, MRI and CSF data in order to demonstrate fulfilment of 2010 and 2017 McDonald criteria.
Results:
2017 McDonald criteria showed 100% (86.8-100%) sensitivity and 13.8% (3.9-31.7%) specificity.
Conclusion:
2017 McDonald criteria appear to have higher sensitivity but reduced specificity compared to 2010 McDonald criteria.

