Value of Optic Nerve MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Management: A MAGNIMS Position Paper and Future Perspectives

Jaume Sastre-Garriga*, Angela Vidal-Jordana, Ahmed T Toosy, Christian Enzinger, Cristina Granziera, Jette Frederiksen, Olga Ciccarelli, Massimo Filippi, Xavier Montalban, Mar Tintore, Deborah Pareto, Àlex Rovira, MAGNIMS Study Group

*Corresponding author for this work

Abstract

The optic nerve is frequently involved in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, MRI of the optic nerve is considered optional in the differential diagnosis of optic neuropathy symptoms either at presentation or in established MS. In addition, unlike spinal cord imaging in comparable scenarios, no role is currently recommended for optic nerve MRI in patients presenting with optic neuritis for its confirmation, to plan therapeutic strategy, within the MS diagnostic framework, nor for the detection of subclinical activity in established MS. In this article, evidence related to these 3 aspects will be summarized and gaps in knowledge will be highlighted, including (1) the acquisition challenges and novel sequences that assess pathologic changes within the anterior visual pathways; (2) the clinical implications of quantitative magnetic resonance studies of the optic nerve, focusing on atrophy measures, magnetization transfer, and diffusion tensor imaging; and (3) the relevant clinical studies performed to date. Finally, an algorithm for the application of optic nerve MRI will be proposed to guide future studies aimed at addressing our knowledge gaps.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere209677
JournalNeurology
Volume103
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)e209677
ISSN0028-3878
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis/diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
  • Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging
  • Optic Neuritis/diagnostic imaging
  • Disease Management

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