Clinical correlates of abnormal brain-stem auditory evoked responses in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis: diagnostic value of computerized tomography with delayed scanning after a double-dose of contrast medium in comparison with other diagnostic tests

In 63 cases of clinical definite or suspected MS we compared the results of CSF analysis, VEP, BAEP, CT scanning without and after double dose contrast, in 17 cases also those of MRT. We found that CSF analysis had the highest rate of abnormal findings, followed by MRT. VEP and CT with double dose contrast showed similar sensitivity, while BAEP and CT without contrast had disappointing results. We think that CT with delayed scanning after double dose contrast can be a very useful investigation in early and doubtful cases of MS, until MRT will become a more widespread and less expensive investigation.

Suspected and clinically definite multiple sclerosis: the relationship between CSF immunoglobulins and clinical course

CSF immunoglobulins were examined in 103 patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis, 106 patients with either suspected or progressive possible multiple sclerosis and 72 patients with other neurological diseases. Raised CSF IgG index and oligoclonal banding were found in 71% and 75% of clinically definite multiple sclerosis patients respectively and both tests were abnormal in 11% of patients with other neurological diseases. The CSF IgG index and the presence of oligoclonal IgG did not relate to the severity or duration of established disease in these patients. In patients with suspected and progressive possible multiple sclerosis, both a raised IgG index and the presence of oligoclonal banding were found significantly more frequently than in the OND group. Abnormalities of these parameters were significantly correlated with the presence of an abnormal evoked response in these patients (chi 2 = 10.16 p less than 0.01). When 47 patients with suspected multiple sclerosis were studied prospectively the presence of oligoclonal banding at presentation was associated with development of further disease activity.