Paramagnetic rim sign in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

To date, there is no accepted highly specific pattern for the detection of multiple sclerosis. Correct diagnosis is particularly difficult in situations where an atypical clinical picture of the disease is observed or nonstandard neuroimaging patterns are detected. Therefore, the scientific community has high hopes for the discovery of new markers that will allow clarification of the diagnosis in controversial cases. Currently, there is a lot of research focused on the study of an additional diagnostic MRI pattern – a sign of a paramagnetic rim. This symptom is associated with chronic smoldering central nervous system (CNS) lesions, is more commonly seen in young males, is found primarily in the periventricular region, and is also a promising predictor of disability and cognitive impairment. There is evidence that it is present in earlier stages of disease in “fresh” lesions of the CNS. However, further studies are needed to use this diagnostic MRI pattern in clinical practice.