Consortium of MS Centers

Author Of 1 Presentation

Imaging Poster Presentation

P0588 - Implementation strategy of an international standardized MRI protocol for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients (ID 1905)

Speakers
Presentation Number
P0588
Presentation Topic
Imaging

Abstract

Background

Standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are important for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) convened an international panel of MRI experts to review and update the current guidelines.

Objectives

The goal is to update the standardized MRI protocol and clinical guidelines for diagnosis and follow-up of MS and develop strategies for advocacy, dissemination and implementation.

Methods

The CMSC convened an expert panel in October 2019 to update the standardized MRI protocol. Conference attendees included neurologists, radiologists, magnetic resonance technologists, and imaging scientists with expertise in MS. Representatives from CMSC, Magnetic Resonance Imaging in MS (MAGNIMS), North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Cooperative, National MS Society, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, MRI manufacturers, and commercial image analysis companies were present. Before the meeting, CMSC members were surveyed about standardized MRI protocol, gadolinium, diffusion weighted imaging, and the central vein sign.

Results

95 neurologists completed the survey. 34% use the CMSC protocol. 48% use a standardized MRI protocol but are uncertain if it is similar to CMSC guidelines. 51% continue to use gadolinium for routine imaging. 58% wanted the central vein sign to be included in the diagnostic work up of MS. 87% were interested in monitoring brain volume and 10% were doing it routinely. The panel worked to harmonize CMSC and MAGNIMS MRI protocols so the updated guidelines could ultimately be accepted by international consensus. Advocacy efforts will promote the importance of standardized MRI protocols. Dissemination will include publications, meeting abstracts, educational programming, webinars, “meet the expert” teleconferences and exam cards. Implementation will require comprehensive and coordinated efforts to make the protocol easy to access and use.

Conclusions

The international expert group developed revised clinical MRI guidelines with the vision and action plans for them to be universally useful and useable and become the standard of care for patients with MS.

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