Updated Guidelines Offer Recommendations for Use of Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents
PRESS RELEASE UPDATED: OCT 12, 2017
Hackensack, NJ, October 12, 2017 (Newswire.com) – The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), in collaboration with the CMSC Task Force for a Standardized MRI Protocol and Clinical Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) updated the standardized MRI protocol useful when evaluating people suspected of having MS and for following individuals undergoing treatment for MS. These guidelines evolved from a meeting of the task force comprised of an international group of neurologists, radiologists and imaging scientists with expertise in MS. The group met in Newark, NJ, January 11-12, 2017 to revise and update the guidelines and indications for standardized brain and spinal cord MRI for MS including attention to the use of gadolinium, based on new data, survey results and expert opinion. These proposed recommendations are currently under review in preparation for a manuscript.
Clinical guidelines from the CMSC for the diagnosis and follow-up of MS had previously recommended the routine use of gadolinium based contrast agents (GBCA) in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MS. Soon after the publication of these recommendations in 2015, the CMSC became aware of the concerns regarding gadolinium deposition in the brain and the recommendations of the FDA to limit GBCA use to appropriate clinical circumstances.
The proposed 2017 revised guidelines that are posted on the CMSC website, now state, “While there is no know central nervous system toxicity, these agents should be used judiciously, recognizing that gadolinium continues to play an invaluable role in specific circumstances related to the diagnosis and follow-up of individuals with MS.” This is an important change compared to the earlier recommendation. Other key changes to the MRI protocols since the 2009 include emphasis on 3D sequences for brain MRI, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) specific monitoring protocol, and optional orbit MRI protocol for severe optic neuritis.
MS Views and News is MAKING an IMPACT for those, affected by Multiple Sclerosis
MS Views and News provides beneficial Multiple Sclerosis education, information, resources and services.
…………………………………………………………………….
Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews