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Effect of high–dose intravenous steriod administration on contrast‐enhancing computed tomographic scan lesions in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Troiano Raymond,
Hafstein Marino,
Ruderman Marvin,
Dowling Peter,
Cook Stuart
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410150309
Subject(s) - medicine , computed tomographic , methylprednisolone , multiple sclerosis , corticosteroid , intravenous contrast , computed tomography , nuclear medicine , oral administration , radiology , route of administration , anesthesia , psychiatry
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 corticosteriod 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 contrastenhancing plaques and clinical improvement were less predictable following oral corticosteriod therapy in conventional dosage. These studies suggest that the dose, route of administration, and duration of corticosteriod therapy in multiple sclerosis may partially determine the effect of treatment.