[Computed tomography in multiple sclerosis]

Sixty patients with multiple sclerosis were examined by computed tomography using an Acute 200 Pfizer apparatus (matrix: 256 X 256; sections: 8 mm thick). In 48 cases iodine contrast medium was injected prior to examination, and in 6 cases the examination was repeated after several months. Abnormal C.T. readings were found in three quarters of the patients; increased image density in 10 patients, reduced density in 10 other cases; isolated cerebral atrophy in 26 patients, associated in 10 other cases with increased or reduced density of the image. Increased densities were seen mainly during acute episodes, then tended to isodensities or low densities. Though these different images are not specific, their association, the absence of mass effect and the absence of correlation between their location and the clinical signs, are elements in favor of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Regions of increased density probably represent active foci of demyelinization and their investigation could be of value during long-term follow-up of these patients.