The central vein sign in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

Objective : to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the central vein sign (CVS) for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Material and methods . We analyzed 76 patients. The main group consisted of 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS according to the McDonald criteria, 2017. The comparison group included 20 patients with migraine and 16 patients with cerebral microangiopathy. All patients underwent a standardized MRI scan of the brain, including 3D FLAIR and SWI modes. The total number of T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions in the brain and the number of lesions with CVS were calculated. Results . In the group of MS patients, the total and relative number of lesions with CVS was higher than in the comparison group (p<0.001). The 40% lesion rule had a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 94.4%. The sensitivity of the 3-lesion rule was 92.5% and the specificity 66.7%. The use of the 5-lesion rule had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 83.7%. Conclusion . The data obtained indicate a significant diagnostic role for SCV in MS. The use of the 5-lesion rule provides high sensitivity and specificity with relative ease of use.