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Unsuspected (clinically silent) multiple sclerosis. Quantitative investigations in one autoptic case
H Heinsen1, U Lockemann, K Püschel
1Morphologische Hirnforschung, Universitäts-Nervenklinik, Würzburg, Germany.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This case report details incidental multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques found in a deceased patient. The small size and location of these chronic MS lesions likely explain the lack of clinical symptoms during her life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Diagnosis of MS can be challenging, particularly in post-mortem examinations.
Observation:
- A few, well-circumscribed, chronic multiple sclerosis plaques were incidentally discovered in the brain of a 49-year-old female who died from myocardial infarction.
- One plaque was found in the left hemisphere and four in the right hemisphere.
Findings:
- The total volume of MS plaques represented a small percentage of the total hemispheric volume (0.24% right, 0.2% left).
- The size and topographical distribution of the lesions suggest they were insufficient to cause overt clinical manifestations.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for asymptomatic multiple sclerosis lesions.
- Methodological considerations in diagnosing MS in vivo versus post mortem are crucial for accurate epidemiological studies.