1. The effect of gadolinium on the sensitivity and specificity of MR in the initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
- Author
-
Tas MW, Barkhol F, van Walderveen MA, Polman CH, Hommes OR, and Valk J
- Subjects
- Adult, Brain pathology, Drug Combinations, Female, Gadolinium DTPA, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prospective Studies, Sensitivity and Specificity, Contrast Media, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Meglumine, Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, Organometallic Compounds, Pentetic Acid analogs & derivatives
- Abstract
Purpose: To determine whether gadolinium can improve the sensitivity and specificity of MR imaging for the initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis., Methods: Patients (n = 57) with neurologic symptoms suggesting multiple sclerosis were studied prospectively. MR imaging consisted of T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo images. Lumbar puncture was performed for cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 34 patients., Results: After imaging, 17 patients (35%) had clinically definite multiple sclerosis. Cerebrospinal fluid examination had a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 38%. Using liberal criteria, the sensitivity of T2-weighted MR imaging was 94% and the specificity 55%; using more strict criteria, the specificity increased to 65% with a sensitivity of 88%. Gadopentetate dimeglumine enhancement increased the specificity further to 80% with a loss of sensitivity (59%)., Conclusion: Gadolinium enhancement increases the specificity of MR imaging in the early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
- Published
- 1995