Multiple Sclerosis and Serial Computerized Tomography

Six consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis and lesions contrast enhancing on computed tomographic scan were treated with high-dose intravenous infusions of methylprednisolone. Double-dose delayed computed tomographic scans were repeated at varying intervals during corticosteroid treatment. Contrast enhancement of sclerotic plaques was reduced or eliminated within as little as 8 hours after the first infusion. Rapid associated partial clinical improvement was noted in four patients with recent exacerbations of disease activity. Similar attenuation of contrast-enhancing plaques and clinical improvement were less predictable following oral corticosteroid therapy in conventional dosage. These studies suggest that the dose, route of administration, and duration of corticosteroid therapy in multiple sclerosis may partially determine the effect of treatment.

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Multiple sclerosis disease activity correlates with gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

González‐Scarano

Grossman

Galetta

et al. 1987

Annals of Neurology

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Magnetic resonance imaging provides a method of visualizing multiple sclerosis plaques, but the age and activity of these plaques cannot be determined with routine magnetic resonance images. Gadolinium DTPA is a paramagnetic contrast agent that does not cross an intact blood-brain barrier. We studied 16 patients with multiple sclerosis, using magnetic resonance imaging, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomographic scans. Gadolinium enhancement of multiple sclerosis plaques correlated with the clinical activity of the disease and corresponded anatomically with the symptoms and signs. We conclude that gadolinium enhancement of magnetic resonance images is a promising tool in the investigation of multiple sclerosis lesions and that it may provide a method for objective follow-up in clinical trails.

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Multiple Sclerosis and Serial Computerized Tomography

Cited by 19 publications

References 11 publications

Computed Tomography in Acute Cerebral Multiple Sclerosis

Computed Tomography in Acute Cerebral Multiple Sclerosis

Effect of high–dose intravenous steriod administration on contrast‐enhancing computed tomographic scan lesions in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis disease activity correlates with gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

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