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Adherence to MRI protocol consensus guidelines in multiple sclerosis: An A ustralian multi‐centre study
Author(s) -
Curley Michael,
Josey Lawrence,
Lucas Robyn,
Dear Keith,
Taylor Bruce V,
Coulthard Alan,
Chapman Caron,
Coulthard Alan,
Dear Keith,
Dwyer Terry,
Kilpatrick Trevor,
Lucas Robyn,
McMichael Tony,
Pender Michael P,
Ponsonby AnneLouise,
Taylor Bruce,
Valery Patricia,
Mei Ingrid,
Williams David
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/1754-9485.12000
Subject(s) - medicine , multiple sclerosis , fluid attenuated inversion recovery , concordance , sagittal plane , magnetic resonance imaging , spinal cord , radiology , nuclear medicine , psychiatry
Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is a debilitating disease that causes significant morbidity within a young demographic. Diagnostic guidelines for MS have evolved, and imaging has played an increasingly important role in diagnosis over the last two decades. For imaging to contribute to diagnosis in a meaningful way, it must be reproducible. Consensus guidelines for MRI in MS exist to define correct sequence type and imaging technique, but it is not clear to what extent they are followed. This study reviewed MRI studies performed on A ustralian individuals presenting with a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination ( FCD ) for adherence to published guidelines and discussed practical implementation of MS guidelines in light of recent updates. Methods The A usimmune study was a prospective case control study of A ustralian participants presenting with FCD from 2003 to 2006. Baseline cranial and spinal cord MRI studies of 226 case participants from four separate A ustralian regions were reviewed. MRI sequences were classified according to anatomical location, slice plane, tissue weighting and use of gadolinium‐containing contrast media. Results were compared with the 2003 C onsortium of M ultiple S clerosis C entres MRI protocol for the diagnosis of MS . Results The composition of core cranial MRI sequences performed varied across the 226 scans. Of the studies, 91% included sagittal fluid attenuated inversion recovery ( FLAIR ) sequences. Cranial axial T 2‐weighted, axial FLAIR and axial proton density‐weighted sequences were performed in 88%, 60% and 16% (respectively) of scans. Only 25% of the studies included a T 1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced sequence. Concordance with the guidelines in all sequences was very low (2). Conclusion Only a small number of MRI investigations performed included all of the sequences stipulated by consensus guidelines. This is likely due to poor awareness in the imaging community of the guidelines and the rationale behind certain sequences. Radiologists with a sub‐speciality interest in neuroradiology should take ownership of this issue and ensure that recommended imaging guidelines are followed.