[Significance of magnetic resonance tomography in disseminated encephalomyelitis]

Abstract

23 out of 24 patients with multiple sclerosis showed multiple, distinct lesions on investigation with cerebral nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Arguments for the specific relationship of these lesions to demyelinating foci are: 1. Morphology and pattern of distribution agree to the known pathological observations. 2. Single lesions shown by computerized tomography (CT) were similarly located to lesions shown by NMR. The morphology and distribution of the lesions in the NMR show a common pattern largely independent of the individual neurological deficits. The nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is a method of high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It offers valuable additional information in particular for early diagnosis and in cases of diagnostic uncertainty.