Assessment of Diagnostic Tools for MS in Human Subjects

A survey of 30 MS diagnosis centers in Portugal found that the 2024 McDonald criteria are implemented variably. Key findings included routine use of MRI in 58.3% of centers, and local performance of OCBs in 58.3%. However, technical and time limitations affected implementation, with 78.9% citing insufficient technical resources as a barrier.

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42822385)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

This study highlights the uneven application of updated diagnostic criteria for MS and identifies barriers that could impact timely diagnosis, which is crucial for patient care and management.

What this does not prove

The findings do not imply that all centers effectively diagnose MS; rather, they illustrate a need for improved resources. Causation cannot be established from the observed associations.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 30 · basis not reported
Randomised: No
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-14
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Other

Original sources

Primary evidenceReal-world applicability of the 2024 McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis diagnosis in Portugal. ↗DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2026.107926

Supporting passages (10)

study designWe conducted a national survey of neurologists from public hospitals involved in MS diagnosis and follow-up.

subjectsTo assess the applicability of the new criteria in Portugal and identify diagnostic tool availability and implementation barriers.

sample size24 of 30 centres responded (80.0%).

randomizedDescriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests identified factors associated with systematic implementation.

peer reviewedJournal: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders

research categoriesOBJECTIVES: To assess the applicability of the new criteria in Portugal and identify diagnostic tool availability and implementation barriers.

interventionBACKGROUND: The revised McDonald criteria (2024) introduced new imaging and laboratory biomarkers, allowing earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

findingsSystematic application was reported by 70.8% and associated with higher patient volume (p=0.035), Neuroradiology collaboration (p=0.022), and shorter CSF biomarkers turnaround times (OCB/κFLC index, p=0.003).

limitationsMain barriers were limited technical resources (78.9%) and time constraints (42.1%).

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-14

AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 1 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.