Optic Nerve Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Ophthalmology
• Radiology

Background:

• Optic neuritis is a frequent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• It also occurs in aquaporin-4 IgG antibody-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
• Differentiating these conditions is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of MR imaging in the diagnosis of optic neuritis.
• To emphasize how imaging findings can suggest specific autoimmune demyelinating disorders.
• To illustrate how MR imaging can guide serologic testing.

Main Methods:

• Review of MR imaging findings in patients with optic neuritis.
• Correlation of imaging features with serologic test results.
• Comparison of imaging characteristics across different autoimmune demyelinating diseases.

Main Results:

• MR imaging is the preferred modality for assessing optic nerve involvement.
• Distinct imaging patterns can suggest MS, NMOSD, or MOGAD.
• Imaging findings can prioritize specific antibody testing.

Conclusions:

• MR imaging provides critical diagnostic information for optic neuritis.
• It assists in differentiating between MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD.
• Imaging plays a key role in guiding targeted serologic investigations.