PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M W Tas
AU  - F Barkhol
AU  - M A van Walderveen
AU  - C H Polman
AU  - O R Hommes
AU  - J Valk
TI  - The effect of gadolinium on the sensitivity and specificity of MR in the initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
DP  - 1995 Feb 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 259--264
VI  - 16
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/16/2/259.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/16/2/259.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.1995 Feb 01; 16
AB  - 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.