Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of non-tumorous multifocal brain lesions mimicking multiple sclerosis

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Abstract

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is quite challenging due to its variable clinical manifestations and lack of a  definitive test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the tools to confirm the diagnosis and also helps in differential diagnosis with other disorders and in exclusion of MS-mimicking diseases. In this article, based on the analysis of clinical cases, we discuss the differential diagnosis of MS with the following non-tumorous multifocal brain lesions: vascular abnormalities caused by hypoxia and ischemia, cerebral autosomal dominant angiopathy with subcortical infarctions and leukoencephalopathy, Susac syndrome, primary angiitis of the central nervous system, and neurosarcoidosis. We present both MRI criteria for MS and disorders that have similar MRI signs, and additional clinical and laboratory data that is essential for correct diagnosis.

About the authors

I. A. Krotenkova

Research Center of Neurology

Author for correspondence.
Email: irina.krotenkova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5823-9434

Irina A. Krotenkova – MD, PhD, Research Fellow, Department of Radiology 

80 Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, 125367

Russian Federation

V. V. Bryukhov

Research Center of Neurology

Email: abdomen@rambler.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1645-6526

Vasiliy V. Bryukhov – MD, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Radiology 

80 Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, 125367

Russian Federation

R. N. Konovalov

Research Center of Neurology

Email: krn_74@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5539-245X

Rodion N. Konovalov – MD, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Radiology 

80 Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, 125367

Russian Federation

M. N. Zakharova

Research Center of Neurology

Email: m.zakharova@mail.ru

Maria N. Zakharova – MD, PhD, Head of Neurology Department No. 6 

80 Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, 125367

Russian Federation

M. V. Krotenkova

Research Center of Neurology

Email: krotenkova_mrt@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3820-4554

Marina V. Krotenkova – MD, PhD, Head of Department of Radiology 

80 Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, 125367

Russian Federation

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Copyright (c) 2021 Krotenkova I.A., Bryukhov V.V., Konovalov R.N., Zakharova M.N., Krotenkova M.V.

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