[Prognostic significance of lacunar lesions in magnetic resonance tomography in multiple sclerosis].

175 patients with definite multiple sclerosis underwent nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. T1-weighted images showed in 59 patients (34%) periventricular lesions with a central area of decreased signal intensity. They appear as lacunar defects in the walls of the lateral ventricle system. In accordance with neuropathological findings we suggest that in these plaques a cystic degeneration has replaced gliosis. Patients with cystic defects are characterized by a high activity of the disease (e.d. increased annual production of plaques) and a poor prognosis. Lacunae are found in the early stages of the disease and provide a prognostic sign in multiple sclerosis.