MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Guidelines Update: North America, Europe Align on New Recommendations

June Halper, MSN, APN-C, MSCN

For the first time, experts in multiple sclerosis (MS) from North America and Europe have aligned on consensus recommendations for the use of MRI in people with MS. These guidelines—developed by the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (MAGNIMS) study group; the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) working group; and the North America Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (NAIMS) MRI Guidelines working group—address recent advancements in imaging technology and new safety data, among other clinical updates.

A main focus and key update included in the recommendations is the use of standardized MRI protocols for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes, the importance of which was emphasized in the 2017 updates to the McDonald criteria. Previous guidelines from MAGNIMS and CMSC issued in 2015 and 2016, respectively, recommended the use of axial single T2-weighted sequences, dual echo T2-weighted spin echo sequences, axial and sagittal T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and contrast enhanced axial T1-weighted sequences, preferably at 3 Tesla (T). While these recommendations are still in line with the current McDonald criteria, the new recommendations emphasize the use of 3D acquisition techniques, especially for FLAIR and T1-weighted sequences, as they can both improve lesion detection and contribute to better realignment of anatomic orientation on serial scans.

While the groups recommend sagittal 3D FLAIR acquisition to be the core sequence used for both diagnosis and monitoring of MS, high quality 2D pulse-sequences, with less than or equal to 3 mm slice thickness and no gap between slices, is an acceptable alternative. Although 3T scanners offer optimal lesion detection and acquisition times, 1.5T scanners are sufficient; those with a strength less than 1.5T are not recommended. Notably, the groups do not recommend the use of 7T scanners at this time, reserving their use for research purposes.

Pointing out the high value of spinal cord MRI to show dissemination in time and space and for exclusion of other diagnoses, the groups recommend that the standard MS imaging protocol must include at least 2 of the following 3 sagittal sequences: T2-weighted spin echo with moderately long echo times, proton density-weighted echo, or short tau inversion recovery (STIR). If contrast agents are used, a T1-weighted spin echo sequence should be included, as well.

In light of new safety advisories from both the US FDA and European Medicines Agency regarding the accumulation of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in the brain, the recommendations support the continued use of single-dose GBCA—but not double- or triple-dose—with special considerations for time delay between GBCA administration and T1-weighted acquisition (ideally 10 minutes) during initial and subsequent scans.

Emerging Biomarkers

Several new imaging biomarkers of MS have begun to emerge in the literature, most notably the central vein sign. While valuable for distinguishing MS from mimics, the groups do not currently recommend use of the central vein sign in routine clinical use as the pulse sequences needed for detection are not widely available on clinical scanners and it requires expert image interpretation. Similarly, paramagnetic rim lesions and leptomeningeal inflammation are not currently recommended as more time is needed to validate these as imaging biomarkers.

MRI for Treatment Effectiveness and Disease Monitoring

After obtaining a baseline MRI (with or without GBCA), the groups recommend a new brain MRI without GBCAs 3 to 6 months after starting treatment or switching disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Annual brain MRI should continue while on DMT, and longer intervals are acceptable for those who are clinically stable or don’t require safety monitoring after several years of treatment. Brain MRI should be performed in an identical manner at each follow-up according to the above-mentioned protocol, while spinal cord and optic nerve MRI are not routinely recommended unless in clinical situations that require them. New or enlarging T2 lesions should be reported, as well as recognition of poor sensitivity for cortical grey matter lesions and use of co-registration, fusion, and subtraction tool techniques. Notably, volumetric and quantitative MRI measures are not routinely recommended.

MRI Use in Other Populations

The consensus guidelines have also been applied across other patient populations, including pediatric patients and women with MS who are pregnant or in the postpartum period. For pediatric patients, the same standardized brain and spinal cord MRI protocols and follow-up scan frequency used in adults should be applied. If MRI is necessary during pregnancy, (ie, unexpected disease activity or comorbidity), standard protocols should be applied using 1.5T, with no use of GBCAs. In the postpartum period, MRI acquisition can be done under normal standardized protocols, but GBCAs should only be used if highly necessary if the patient is lactating. Notably, the guidelines recommend a new baseline MRI 2 to 3 months postpartum.

Overall, the guidelines reflect a movement towards more consistent and purposeful patient evaluation that takes into account the varying degrees of available imaging technology and software, time limitations, and interpretation expertise. With an end-goal of global adoption and standardization, these guidelines truly serve as a consensus and reflect the latest verified clinical techniques for diagnosing and monitoring MS. 

“The CMSC is extremely proud to be a partner in the development and endorsement of international recommendations for MRI in multiple sclerosis,” CMSC chief executive officer, June Halper, told NeurologyLive. “The standards recommended in this paper will further enhance the expert MS care provided to patients worldwide.”

To learn more about the process behind developing these international guidelines, watch our NeurologyLive Peer Exchange: “Updates to the MRI Protocol and Clinical Guidelines for MS: CMSC Working Group”

REFERENCE

Wattjes MP, Ciccarelli O, Reich DS, et al; on behalf of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis study group, the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, and North American Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis Cooperative MRI guidelines working group. 2021 MAGNIMS-CMSC-NAIMS consensus recommendations on the use of MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol. Published online June 14, 2021. doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00095-8