Use of the Optic Nerve in the MS Diagnostic Criteria

Optic nerve findings may be integrated into future diagnostic criteria.

Evidence of optic neuritis is sufficient to establish objective clinical evidence in the McDonald MS diagnostic criteria but is not recognized for establishing dissemination in space. The McDonald criteria committee recommended additional research for future revisions (NEJM JW Neurol 2021 Feb 12 and Neurology 2021; 96:e482). Investigators have now evaluated the value of optic neuritis and imaging findings in 157 patients with a first clinical event. Optic nerve (ON) involvement was confirmed with at least two of three tests: MRI, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual evoked potentials (VEPs).

During 28 months of follow-up, 71% of patients were diagnosed with MS by a subsequent clinical or imaging event. Among the different ON testin…

Reviewing Author

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAlexion Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Astoria; Biogen; Bristol Myers Squibb; Celltrion; Genentech; Hoffmann-La Roche; Genzyme; EMD Serono; Immpact-Bio; Immunic Therapeutics; Kyverna; Lundbeck; Novartis; Sandoz; TG Therapeutics

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)

Robert T. Naismith, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; U.S. Department of Defense

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesConsortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (Treasurer)

Use of the Optic Nerve in the MS Diagnostic Criteria

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Reviewing Author