[Nuclear magnetic resonance tomographic appearance of disseminated encephalomyelitis in relation to clinical diagnosis].

The MRI findings in 149 patients with a clinical diagnosis of disseminated encephalomyelitis (D.E.) were related to the diagnostic criteria of McAlpine (definite, probable, possible). The most common pattern in all three groups was a mixed peri- and para-ventricular distribution of foci. The findings in 'possible' D.E., compared with 'definite' D.E., showed fewer confluent lesions, but were characterised by peri- and para-ventricular as well as solitary foci. The results of the present study permit better classification and evaluation of the MRI findings if the clinical diagnosis of D.E. is only suspected (probable or possible).