ABSTRACT
In the past decade magnetic resonance (MR) technology has evolved rapidly, leading to new insights in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows abnormalities in more than 95% of patients with clinically definite MS.[1] In patients with suspected MS who present with clinically isolated symptoms, an abnormal brain MR scan has a positive predictive value of 88% for conversion to clinically definite MS after a follow-up of 14 years years.[2] On the other hand, a normal MR scan of the brain and spinal cord can exclude the diagnosis of MS in nearly all cases.[3] Therefore, MRI is highly sensitive for visualizing the pathology of MS and has a high negative predictive value in the diagnosis of MS.
