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[Multiple sclerosis--how specific is MRI?]
1Abteilung für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikums Benjarnin Franklin der FU-Berlin.
Der Nervenarzt
|January 15, 1999
Summary
White matter lesions on MRI scans can be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). An atrial myxoma caused emboli leading to lacunar lesions, mimicking MS in one patient.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Cardiology
Background:
- T2-weighted MRI is crucial for detecting white matter lesions.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological condition often diagnosed based on these lesions.
- Differential diagnosis is essential to avoid misinterpretations.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of MS.
- Her MRI revealed multiple lacunar lesions in the white matter.
- These lesions were initially misattributed to MS.
Findings:
- The patient had a left-sided atrial myxoma.
- The myxoma acted as a source of emboli, causing the lacunar lesions.
- The lesions were not indicative of MS but rather embolic events.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering embolic sources for white matter lesions.
- Emphasizes the need for precise diagnostic criteria to differentiate MS from other conditions.
- Underscores the potential for misdiagnosis when relying solely on MRI lesion patterns.