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Pediatric multiple sclerosis: from clinical basis to imaging spectrum and differential diagnosis

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Abstract

Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) deserves special attention because of its impact on cognitive function and development. Although knowledge regarding pediatric MS has rapidly increased, understanding the peculiarities of this population remains crucial for disease management. There is limited expertise about the efficacy and safety of current disease-modifying agents. Although pathophysiology is not entirely understood, some risk factors and immunological features have been described and are discussed herein. While the revised International Pediatric MS Study Group diagnostic criteria have improved the accuracy of diagnosis, the recently revised McDonald criteria also offer some new insights into the pediatric population. It is fundamental that radiologists have strong knowledge about the vast spectrum of demyelinating disorders that can occur in childhood to ensure appropriate diagnosis and provide early treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neuroradiology, Santa Casa de São Paulo School of Medical Sciences, Rua Dr. Cesário Motta Jr. 112, Vila Buarque, São Paulo, SP, 01221-020, Brazil

    Igor G. Padilha, Ana P. A. Fonseca, Ana L. M. Pettengill, Diego C. Fragoso, Felipe T. Pacheco, Renato H. Nunes, Antonio C. M. Maia Jr & Antônio J. da Rocha

  2. Division of Neuroradiology, Diagnósticos da América AS – DASA, São Paulo, Brazil

    Igor G. Padilha, Ana P. A. Fonseca, Ana L. M. Pettengill, Felipe T. Pacheco, Renato H. Nunes & Antônio J. da Rocha

  3. Division of Neuroradiology, Fleury Medicina e Saúde, São Paulo, Brazil

    Diego C. Fragoso & Antonio C. M. Maia Jr

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  1. Igor G. Padilha
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  2. Ana P. A. Fonseca
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Padilha, I.G., Fonseca, A.P.A., Pettengill, A.L.M. et al. Pediatric multiple sclerosis: from clinical basis to imaging spectrum and differential diagnosis. Pediatr Radiol 50, 776–792 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-019-04582-3

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