[Diagnostic imaging in multiple sclerosis]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to the development of demyelination foci in the central nervous system and can affect any neurological function. In the developed world, it represents the most common chronic neurological (nontraumatic) disease in young and middle-aged patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the first-line imaging modality for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS. The currently valid McDonald criteria, updated in 2017, define the exact morphological imaging criteria for diagnosing MS. In addition to the detection of typical MS plaques, the determination of spatial and temporal dissemination is essential for the initial diagnosis. A standardized MRI protocol consisting of mandatory and optional sequences is recommended for reliable diagnosis and differentiation from a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses.