Contributions
Abstract: 110
Type: Educational Session
Abstract Category: N/A
Inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which may mimic multiple sclerosis (MS) present a particular challenge to clinicians; even once considered in the differential diagnosis, these relatively rare conditions may be difficult to diagnose confidently but, despite frequently being aggressive conditions associated with significant neurological disability or even death, many are highly treatable.
Although several inflammatory CNS disorders may present with systemic manifestations of disease, they can also affect the CNS exclusively, and may mimic both each other and demyelinating diseases; few have pathognomonic clinical features. Even once suspected, confirming the diagnosis may be difficult due to the absence of diagnostic tests and limitations of currently available investigations. Cerebral biopsy may be considered and may usefully provide unequivocal proof of vasculitis or an alternative diagnosis but even this invasive investigation has limited sensitivity, particularly if radiologically abnormal brain cannot be targeted.
Here, we will present an overview of conditions which may mimic MS including relevant infections, vascular diseases and malignancy but with focus on other inflammatory disorders of the CNS including the vasculitides, systemic lupus erythematosus, neuro-Behcet's and neurosarcoidosis.
Disclosure: The author has no relevant disclosures to declare.
Abstract: 110
Type: Educational Session
Abstract Category: N/A
Inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which may mimic multiple sclerosis (MS) present a particular challenge to clinicians; even once considered in the differential diagnosis, these relatively rare conditions may be difficult to diagnose confidently but, despite frequently being aggressive conditions associated with significant neurological disability or even death, many are highly treatable.
Although several inflammatory CNS disorders may present with systemic manifestations of disease, they can also affect the CNS exclusively, and may mimic both each other and demyelinating diseases; few have pathognomonic clinical features. Even once suspected, confirming the diagnosis may be difficult due to the absence of diagnostic tests and limitations of currently available investigations. Cerebral biopsy may be considered and may usefully provide unequivocal proof of vasculitis or an alternative diagnosis but even this invasive investigation has limited sensitivity, particularly if radiologically abnormal brain cannot be targeted.
Here, we will present an overview of conditions which may mimic MS including relevant infections, vascular diseases and malignancy but with focus on other inflammatory disorders of the CNS including the vasculitides, systemic lupus erythematosus, neuro-Behcet's and neurosarcoidosis.
Disclosure: The author has no relevant disclosures to declare.