Standardization of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis Management Consensus by the Czech Expert Radiology-Neurology Panel

In MS, MRI has an irreplaceable role. The unification of MRI management across different institutions is crucial for maximal use of the potential of this method, i.e., for early and accurate diagnosis with the determination of prognostic markers, early signal of ineffectiveness of therapy or safety problem, but also for availability of adequate care for all patients. At the same time, communication between the radiologist and neurologist and the associated standardization of both the referral form and MRI description are essential. In addition to improving the quality of care for the individual patient, a uniform MRI data format would also lead to the possibility of national data collection. This would allow for structured information for research as well as the use of MRI data in negotiations with healthcare providers. For this purpose under the patronage of the Section of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Liquorology of the Czech Neurological Society, this consensus of the Czech Expert Radiology-Neurology Panel is published based on the international Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis (MAGNIMS) recommendations. It proposes recommendations for a basic and extended diagnostic, monitoring and safety MRI protocol, specifies the frequency of individual examinations, the necessary information on the MRI referral form and presents a standardized description of diagnostic and monitoring MRI in patients with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of MS.