Abstract: MRI Use in MS Clinical Practice: Results of the 2022 CMSC Survey (2022 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers)

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MRI Use in MS Clinical Practice: Results of the 2022 CMSC Survey

Thursday, June 2, 2022

Prince George's Exhibit Hall (Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center)

Anthony Traboulsee, MD, FRCPC , Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Lori Saslow, MA , Consortium of MS Centers, Hackensack, NJ

Mike Wattjes, MD PhD , Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany

Alex Rovira, MD , Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Jiwon Oh, MD PhD FRCPC , Medicine, Division of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Univ of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

Daniel Reich, MD PhD , Translational Neuroradiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

Scott D. Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA , Dept. of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Mara Rocca, MD, PhD , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milani, Italy

Jaume Sastre-Garriga, MD , Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (Cemcat), Department of Neurology/Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

June Halper, MSN, APN-C, MSCN, FAAN , Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Hackensack, NJ

Frederik Barkhof, MD, PhD , Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, UCL, London, United Kingdom

David KB Li, MD FRCPC , Radiology and Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Background: Standardized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidelines for the diagnosis and monitoring of MS patients have been developed and promoted since 2001. A survey of CMSC membership in 2020 showed that 34% of respondents used the CMSC recommended brain protocol. The most recent iteration, published 2021, is a harmonization of the European MAGNIMS guidelines with the CMSC, and NAIMS guidelines

Objectives: To assess the needs and use of MRI by global health care professionals.

Methods: Web based survey sent to email membership list of CMSC, Canadian Network of MS Clinics and MAGNIMS networks.

Results: 97 respondents with 90% associated with an MS Centers (73% MDs/Advanced Practice Nurses/Physician Assistants, 13% MRI radiologist or technologist). 45% were using a Brain MRI protocol that was fully compliant with the 2021 guidelines, 26% partially compliant, and 18% used a consistent local protocol. Overall, 72% reported a positive impact and 0% a negative impact of using a standardized protocol. The main barrier to implementation for 32% was not being able to convince the MRI center to follow the protocol and for 10% insurance coverage. 86% routinely use gadolinium for a diagnostic scan and 33% routinely used gadolinium in routine follow up. 78% routinely do spinal cord imaging at diagnosis. 45% routinely look for cortical lesions. 65% felt that the central vein should be used in the diagnostic workup. In terms of brain atrophy monitoring, 26% routinely use software to do this and an additional 65% would like to routinely do this.

Conclusions: MS Health care professionals routinely used a standardized MRI protocol although many still face significant barriers in implementation. The majority use gadolinium contrast agents judiciously. Although not a core recommendation of the 2021 guidelines, there is considerable interest in acquiring 3DT1 sequences for brain atrophy monitoring; sequences for identifying cortical lesions; and using the central vein sign in the diagnostic workup.

8397 MRI Use in MS Clinical Practice: Results of the 2022 CMSC Survey

8397
MRI Use in MS Clinical Practice: Results of the 2022 CMSC Survey