TY - JOUR T1 - The effect of gadolinium on the sensitivity and specificity of MR in the initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. JF - American Journal of Neuroradiology JO - Am. J. Neuroradiol. SP - 259 LP - 264 VL - 16 IS - 2 AU - M W Tas AU - F Barkhol AU - M A van Walderveen AU - C H Polman AU - O R Hommes AU - J Valk Y1 - 1995/02/01 UR - http://www.ajnr.org/content/16/2/259.abstract N2 - 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. ER -