Original article
English
Omran Al Shamam1, Mohamoud Abd Elshaheed2, Ali Sakal3
1. Radiology and 2. Neurology Department, Ali Omar Askwer Neurocentre, Sbea, Tripoli, Libya; 3. Diagnostic Radiology Department, El Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, El Mansoura Egypt
JMJ Vol. 1, No. 2 (November 2001): 39-45
Abstract
This study included 69 patients with clinical suggestion of multiple sclerosis (MS). The disease was finally confirmed in 59 patients (41 females and 18 males) whom considered clinically definite (CDMS).Fast spin echo magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain and cervical cord were performed on all patients. The rest of the spinal cord was examined in 5 patients while optic nerve examinations were performed in 4 cases supplemented by short tau inversion recovery (STIR) TECHNIQUE. All examinations included pre & post gadolinium – enhanced studies. MRI results were 93.2%, 50%, and 91.7% for sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value, respectively in MS diagnosis. Spinal cord involvement was detected in 17 cases (28.8%), of which 15 cases were in the cervical region (88.2%).
Enhancement with gadolinium, the MRI signs of activity of the disease, was detected in 21 cases (35.6%) .
The study indicates that MRI (fast spin echo technique) is very sensitive technique in the diagnosis of MS; it should be performed without delay if the disease is clinically suggested. The examination of the cervical spinal cord should be routinely included in the study to raise its sensitivity and specificity special attention should be drawn to the non-typical presentation of the MS. Lesion to add to the definitive diagnosis. Optic nerve examination is of limited value because MRI signs of the disease are non-specific.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, short tau inversion recovery technique, and fast spin echo technique
Link/DOI: http://www.jmj.org.ly/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1199