MRI signs of CNS demyelinating diseases

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of the central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases can be greatly facilitated by visualization and appreciation of pathognomonic radiological signs, visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Given the distinct therapeutic approaches for each of these diseases, a decisive and reliable diagnosis in patients presenting with demyelination-associated symptoms is of crucial value. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are major examples of such conditions, each possessing a number of MRI signs, closely associated with the disorder. This pictorial review aims to describe seventeen pathognomonic MRI signs associated with several CNS demyelinating disorders including MS, NMOSD, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disease, Baló's concentric sclerosis, metachromatic leukodystrophy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and neurosarcoidosis.

Keywords: Demyelinating diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple Sclerosis; Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.