MRI predicts short-term outcome in CIS

A small study on 49 subjects presenting with a clinically isolated syndromes (CIS) who underwent MRI at presentation and 1 year. 

MRI measures of diffuse tissue damage, such as brain atrophy, and measures of focal damage, such as demyelinating lesions, predicted short-term disease evolution when used in combination. 

Epub ahead of printSbardella et al. Pronounced focal and diffuse brain damage predicts short-term disease evolution in patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2011 Jul 5.

"If these data are confirmed in larger studies, they will have important implications for early treatment decisions. We will be able to predict who is going to do well or conversely who will do badly in the relatively short-term (1 to 2 years). This information will be useful to help MS'ers make a risk:benefit assessment in relation to disease modifying therapies available to treat CIS."