How different MR imaging criteria relate to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and its outcome.

This article reviews the evolution of MR imaging criteria used to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) over the past decade and a half to help demonstrate how these changes have influenced the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing and treating patients with MS. The article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of making very specific diagnoses versus sensitive but less specific diagnoses. In addition, the application of these various diagnostic criteria to patient outcomes and clinical trials is reviewed.