Misdiagnosis in Multiple Sclerosis

Recent studies and consensus groups have highlighted the problem of misdiagnosis in multiple sclerosis (MS). Investigators prospectively reviewed all new patients referred to an MS center during a 1-year period. The cohort included 354 patients with 1 year of follow-up.

On the referral form, 112 patients had an “established diagnosis” of MS, and 77 had “suspected MS.” Of those with “established MS” at referral, the diagnosis was changed to non-MS after 1 year of follow-up in 8 and to suspected MS in 6. Of the 77 with “suspected MS” at referral, at 1-year follow-up 37 were determined to have MS, 15 still had suspected MS, and 25 did not have MS. Of those referred with “established MS” subsequently deemed as misdiagnosed, 64% were on a disease…