Special Focus Session

SF 16b - Advances in multiple sclerosis (MS): exploring the new McDonald criteria and emerging imaging biomarkers

March 6, 16:00 - 17:30 CET

5 min
Chairperson's introduction
18 min
The 2024 McDonald criteria: key updates and clinical implications
  1. Toidentify and describe the major revisions in the 2024 McDonald criteria.
  2. Toapply the updated criteria to real-world clinical scenarios.
  3. Toassess the clinical implications for early diagnosis and treatment decisions.
18 min
The 2024 McDonald criteria in paediatric MS: special considerations and challenges
  1. To highlight paediatric-focused updates in the 2024 update of the McDonald's criteria.
  2. To discuss persistent and emerging diagnostic challenges in paediatric MS.
  3. To address current barriers and future needs in imaging of paediatric MS.
18 min
Optic nerve imaging in MS: role, timing and techniques
  1. To describe the rationale behind and the emerging demands for MRI of the anterior visual pathways in multiple sclerosis and related diseases.
  2. To outline the anatomical basis, technical challenges, and current capabilities of MRI techniques.
  3. Tosummarise current knowledge regarding disease distribution patterns along the anterior optic pathways, in both acute and asymptomatic conditions.
18 min
MRI biomarkers for monitoring disease progression: are they ready for routine use?
  1. To review conventional MRI-based biomarkers used for disease monitoring in MS, including T2-lesion volume, contrast-enhancing lesions, and brain atrophy.
  2. To review advanced MRI-based biomarkers for monitoring disease progression in MS, including magnetisation transfer imaging, diffusion metrics, and myelin-related imaging.
  3. To discuss the readiness of MRI biomarkers for monitoringdisease progression in MS.
13 min
Panel discussion: New criteria: impact on radiological practice